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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 

A Series of Original Experiments 
in the Magic Art 



By DONALD HOLMES = — 

Member 




S. A. M. 



Price One Dollar 



COPYRIGHT 1909. BY D. H. ALSDORF. 



A. 



V 4 



©CI.A2521G2 



INTRODUCTION 

THE value of suggestion is nowhere so clearly demonstrated as in the 
Magic Art, and I have yet to see the book devoted to this subject 
that has not imparted at least a few good ideas well worth retaining. I 
therefore present this little series of original experiments to the lovers of 
Magic, not so much for its value as a collection of up-to-date tricks, separate 
and distinct from each other, but rather as a series of useful hints and ideas, 
from which I trust both the amateur and professional may derive much food 
for thought. 

I have not considered it necessary, in a book of this size, to devote 
any space to the definition of terms and phrases commonly used in conjuring 
circles, for the tricks herein described would be of little practical use to one 
unfamiliar with the rudiments of Magic, or current literature on the subject, 
while to the advanced conjurer such information would only be superfluous. 

In the near future I hope to publish a larger book devoted exclusively 
to the beginner — a sort of A B C of Magic, I might say, brought right 
up to date, in which I shall endeavor to confer upon the neophyte the 
mysteries of modern Magic in a clear, concise manner, and lead him step by 
step to the higher class of conjuring. 

Donald Holmes. 
October, 1909. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 

CONTENTS 

Page. 

Watch, Handkerchief, and Bran 5-9 

Egg and Handkerchief 9-11 

Flying Glass, Watch, and Flag 11-14 

Lamp-Chimney Color Change 14-16 

Twentieth Century Trick 16-18 

Quadruple Flag and Handkerchief Trick 18-19 

Phantom Handkerchiefs 19-23 

The Wedding Ring Trick 23-30 

Invisible Flight of Handkerchiefs 30-32 

Another "Invisible Flight". . . 32-34 

The Latest Handkerchief "Flight" 34-38 

Handkerchief and Paper Tube, First Method 38, 39 

Second Method 39-40 

Primary and Compound 40 

A "Changing Tube" Suggestion 41 

Handkerchiefs and Flag 41-42 

Loading the Paper Cone 42-48 

Numbered Cards 48-49 

The Invisible Charlier Pass 49-50 

The Transformed Handkerchiefs 50-55 

Flag, Bran, and Orange Trick 55-60 

Die, Canary, and Mystic Cage 60-63 

A Novel Die Combination 63-66 

The Holmes Invisible Servante 66-72 

Color Changing Handkerchiefs 72-74 

An Inexhaustible Black Art Table 75-77 



SOME MODERN CONJURING. 



THE WATCH, HANDKERCHIEF, AND BRAN. 

In this mystifying little trick I shall present to the reader 
a novel principle involving the exchange of one or more 
objects in the most subtle manner, without the knowledge of 
those present; said exchange being accomplished through the 
agency of the conjurer's friend, the glass tumbler. The sev- 
eral movements essential to its success are so commonplace 
and natural that, with anything like reasonable care, detection 
is impossible. This principle is of greatest value in so-called 
transposition tricks involving the use of small objects, such 
as watches, rings, handkerchiefs, etc., and possesses the unique 
feature that the objects making such invisible flight may, in 
many cases, be borrowed from the audience, and everything 
may be freely inspected at the conclusion of the trick. 

The suggestions here laid down are subject of much vari- 
ation. In fact, when once the reader has acquainted himself 
with this novel principle, he will doubtless find many good 
uses for it, according to his own ideas and requirements. 

Effect: A lady's borrowed watch and handkerchief are 
deposited in a small tumbler, which is then covered with a 
second handkerchief, secured with a rubber band, and placed 
in the keeping of a spectator. 

Having thus disposed of the watch and handkerchief the 
performer visibly fills a second tumbler with bran, which is 
covered in like manner with a handkerchief. 

A transposition of the contents of the two tumblers is 
now commanded to take place. The spectator removes the 
rubber band and handkerchief from the tumbler in his pos- 
session and discovers the bran therein instead of the borrowed 
articles; while the performer's glass now contains the bor- 
rowed watch and handkerchief in place of the bran. Every- 
thing may be freely inspected. 



6 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

Explanation: The aforesaid principle is based upon a 
novel manipulation of the tumblers. Naturalness of manner 
and neatness of manipulation are the main requirements in 
presentation. 

The necessary requisites and preparation are as follows : 

Four plain tumblers, of the tapering variety. I use a 
tumbler measuring three and three-quarters inches high, two 
and one-quarter inches in diameter at mouth, and one and 
one-quarter inches in diameter at bottom, which is ample for 
drawing room use. Two of these tumblers nested stack only 
one inch higher than a single glass. This fact should be duly 
noted, as it enters into the success of the trick. 

Two mercerized silk handkerchiefs, at least twelve inches 
square. These should be on the order of the fancy silk hand- 
kerchiefs much used today. For the present purpose, it is 
just as well to have them different in color, say, one red and 
one blue. 

A small box filled with bran. A "tall" cigar box will 
answer the purpose. 

A Black Art table, with two open wells. I use a table 
with oblong top, 16x24 inches, with square well openings so 
placed that they appear diamond-shaped to those in front; 
that is, the gold braid design appears laid out in diamond- 
shaped blocks. The small well opening measures one and 
three-quarters inches square, and is located in rear right-hand 
corner of table top. The large well measures three and one- 
quarter inches square at opening, and is located in center of 
rear side of table top. This latter well should be padded with 
black cotton, so that the dropping of any object therein will 
be absolutely noiseless, a necessary consideration in drawing- 
room work. 

Now, if you have obtained a tumbler of the pattern and 
dimensions above given, you will find that, if placed in the 
smaller well, the top of the tumbler protrudes to the extent 
of about one inch above the surface of the table. 

One of the tumblers is beforehand filled with bran, and 
placed in the small well, and one of the silk handkerchiefs 
laid carelessly in front of it, with one side of the silk drawn 



SOME MODERN CONJURIXG 7 

over the mouth of the tumbler, so that both handkerchief and 
glass may be picked up together. 

The box of bran is placed at the other end of the table, 
with the three remaining tumblers and silk handkerchlel 
neatly arranged in front of it. 

Presentation: The performer asks the loan of a lady's 
watch, and to insure its safety while in his hands likewise 
borrows a handkerchief in which to wrap it. Returning to 
the table with the borrowed articles held well up to prevent 
the idea of substitution, one of the tumblers is taken in the 
left hand, while the right spreads the borrowed handkerchief 
over it, and pushes the watch, as well as the handkerchief, 
in this manner, into the glass. 

This leaves the corners of handkerchief protruding at top. 
They should be tucked in a little, just so they come flush with 
rim of tumbler. This arrangement is essential to later devel- 
opments. The left hand now places the glass on the table 
just in front of the large well, while the right picks up the 
silk handkerchief at that end of table, at the same time nip- 
ping through the fabric, between thumb and forefinger, the 
rim of the concealed tumbler of bran in the small well. It 
is to be understood that the glass is seized with the thumb 
inside and forefinger outside the front edge, the back of the 
hand being presented to the audience ; and if held with the 
fingers extended against the handkerchief in a perfectly nat- 
ural manner, the presence of the tumbler is not suspected. 

The silk is drawn over the visible tumbler containing the 
borrowed articles, but, as a matter of fact, the instant the 
silk shields it, the left hand permits the glass to slip into the 
well, and seizes the concealed tumbler of bran under the hand- 
kerchief, which is now lifted, still covered, from the table, 
and the silk drawn round it. A rubber band is passed over 
handkerchief and glass to make matters doubly safe from 
deception, and the parcel placed in the keeping of a spectator, 
with the request to hold it at arm's length, to prevent possible 
injury to the lady's timepiece. This prevents any desire on his 
part to "peep." 

Now, from the standpoint of the company, the borrowed 
watch and handkerchief have been disposed of in a manner 



8 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

prohibiting any tampering on the part of the magician. His 
every move has been perfectly natural, neither the watch, 
handkerchief, or glass being removed from sight for a single 
instant until covered with the silk, when they are immediately 
brought forward, so covered, and placed in the keeping of 
the company. 

The performer next offers for inspection the box of bran, 
from which he fills one of the remaining tumblers on the 
table. Taking the tumbler of bran in one hand, and the last 
remaining tumbler in the other, he pours the bran from one 
glass into the other several times, to impress upon the minds 
of those present that no deception enters into the proceeding. 
He then places the tumbler of bran on the table, in front of 
the large well, as before, setting the empty glass to one side. 

Now comes the novel part of the operation. The remain- 
ing silk handkerchief is shown freely on both sides, and then 
spread over the tumbler of bran. The upper corners are per- 
mitted to drop in back, and as the right hand seizes the top 
of the glass, through the silk, the left hand, under this cover, 
is lowered to the well, and brings up the tumbler containing 
the borrowed watch and handkerchief, nipped by the rim 
between first and second fingers. As soon as the glass clears 
the well, the thumb supports it on the opposite side. Mean- 
while, the right hand lifts the tumbler of bran from the table ; 
the left brings the other tumbler under the folds of the silk 
handkerchief, and the tumbler of bran is permitted to settle 
gently into the lower glass, the arrangement of the borrowed 
handkerchief in this latter tumbler preventing any "chink" 
of the tumblers in coming together. The left hand should 
force the lower glass firmly over the upper one, to reduce the 
height of the two to a minimum. The covered "tumbler" is 
then left on the palm of left hand. 

It will be found in actual practice that the closest observer 
will entertain no doubt in his mind as to the fairness of the 
proceeding up to this point. As far as substitution is con- 
cerned, the tumbler of bran has obviously been covered with 
the handkerchief, and lifted from the table; and as substitu- 
tion is the sole source of suspicion in the mind of the average 
spectator, he has not the remotest idea of a duplicate tumbler 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 9 

being smuggled into the folds of the handkerchief covering 
the bran. 

The performer now calls attention to what has so far 
taken place : the borrowed watch and handkerchief deposited 
in the tumbler now held by the spectator; while the bran is 
in his own possession. That, by the mere pronouncing of his 
mystic formula, the contents of the two tumblers will in- 
stantly make an invisible transposition. 

The spectator removes the covering from his glass, and 
finds it filled with bran. This having been determined, the 
performer likewise uncovers his own glass, disclosing the 
borrowed watch and handkerchief therein. In removing the 
silk handkerchief, the uppermost tumbler (which contains the 
bran) is nipped, as before, by the rim between thumb and 
forefinger, the performer standing behind the table during 
the operation. While all eyes are drawn to the disclosure of 
the watch and handkerchief in the (lower) tumbler, the right 
hand is carelessly lowered to the table, and lays the silk 
thereon, permitting the concealed tumbler of bran to slide 
into the large well, and the trick is done. The tumbler is 
immediately brought forward to the owner of the watch and 
handkerchief, who identifies her property. Of course, all the 
visible properties may be inspected as much as the company 
pleases without offering a clue to the modus operandi. 

Try this mystifying little trick in the drawing-room, and 
note the result. 



THE EGG AND HANDKERCHIEF. 

The working of this trick is based upon the same prin- 
ciple laid down in the "Watch, Handkerchief, and Bran." This 
modern version of Colonel Stodare's old time trick is the only 
one I have ever met with in which all the properties made use 
of may be freely inspected "before and after." Besides, it 
gives you an opportunity to jolt the knowing spectator, who 
will be inclined, in the beginning, to deride your effrontery 
in presenting the trick. 

Effect: A raw egg, a small tumbler and a colored hand- 
kerchief are offered for free inspection, after which the egg 



10 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

is deposited in the tumbler, and the latter covered with the 
handkerchief. To make doubly secure a rubber band is passed 
over the glass, which is left in plain view upon the table. A 
small green silk handkerchief is next examined, which is sub- 
sequently transformed into the egg in the performer's hands ; 
and upon uncovering the tumbler the green silk is found 
therein, instead of the egg. To disprove the old theory of 
"an egg with a hole in it," the performer now brings forward 
the egg, together with a basin, into which he breaks the egg 
as a proof of the latter's genuineness. 

Explanation: Requisites as under: 

Two raw eggs. 

Two small tumblers, of the type already referred to. 

A large colored mercerized handkerchief. 

Two small green silk handkerchiefs. 

A "handkerchief egg, ,} celluloid preferred. 

A white enameled basin, or soup plate, having a depth of 
about two inches. 

A Black Art table, having a large and a small open well, 
as already described. 

A rubber band. 

Place, beforehand, one of the green silks in one of the 
tumblers in such manner that the silk just fills the glass*. 
This tumbler is deposited in the large well of table. The 
handkerchief egg is vested or pocketed. The basin is placed 
at right end of table, in front of the small well, with one raw 
egg concealed behind the basin. The remaining egg, tumbler, 
green silk, mercerized handkerchief, and rubber band are ar- 
ranged in view upon the table. 

Having offered the egg, tumbler, and mercerized handker- 
chief for inspection, the performer returns them to the table, 
setting down the glass, containing the egg, just in front of 
the large well. The large handkerchief is now spread over 
the tumbler, the latter being seized through the covering by 
right hand. Simultaneously the left hand secretly brings up 
the duplicate tumbler (containing the duplicate green silk), 
and pushes it over the upper, original tumbler, under cover of 
the handkerchief, in same manner described in the "Watch, 
Handkerchief, and Bran;" the silk in the lower glass being 



5 ( ) M E M c ? /) ER N CONJU R I N G 1 1 

pushed to the bottom thereof, thus preventing any "talk." 
The two tumblers, appearing as one under cover, are placed 
in view upon the table, and the rubber band passed over same. 
The visible green silk is now offered for inspection, and 
in taking up a position some distance from the table the per- 
former obtains the handkerchief egg from his vest (or pocket), 
and by this means transforms the silk into tht egg. The 
latter is laid upon the table in usual manner. The tumbler 
is then uncovered, revealing the green silk therein. Of course, 
the upper glass, containing the egg", is removed with the hand- 
kerchief in manner now familiar to the reader, and dropped 
in the large well of table top in the act of laying down hand- 
kerchief : while the (lower) tumbler is exhibited with the 
green silk, and, with the mercerized handkerchief, passed 
once more for examination. Professing to note unkind suspi- 
cions toward the egg on the table the performer obligingly 
brings forward the egg with the basin, dropping the fake egg 
into the small well and obtaining the raw egg concealed be- 
hind the basin as the latter is picked up between the hands.* 

THE FLYING GLASS, WATCH, AND FLAG. 

This, I venture to say, is a decided improvement upon the 
little trick described by Professor Hoffman in "More Magic," 
p. 364, under the title of "The Flying Glass, Watch, and 
Handkerchief." It will be remembered that in the version 
there set forth the watch, handkerchief, and glass were first 
deposited in a borrowed hat, but, under some pretext, were 
removed (exchanged), and the three articles then passed in- 
visibly into the hat at a distance. In my own version of 
the trick, the three articles do not from the viewpoint of the 
company, approach the hat until they have been "passed" 
into it by so-called magical means. 

Effect: A lady's borroAved watch is wrapped in a small 
United States silk flag and both deposited in a tumbler. A 
borrowed hat is placed upon a side stand at a distance. The 



♦This method of exchanging an egg for a substitute is taken from 
Robertson-Keene's "More Novel Notions." 



12 SOME MODERN CONJ.URING 

watch now vanishes from the flag in the tumbler; the flag 
melts away in the performer's hands ; and the tumbler shares 
the fate of watch and flag. All three articles are then taken 
from the hat. 

Explanation: Arrangement similar to "Watch, Handker- 
chief and Bran Trick." Requisites: 

Two small tumblers, as specified in foregoing tricks. 

Two 8x12 United States silk flags. 

A large, double mercerized handkerchief, preferably col- 
ored, containing cardboard disc for vanishing a tumbler. 

A hand box vanisher. 

Black Art table, provided with a large and small well. 

A side stand on performer's left. 

Previous to presentation, one of the flags is placed in 
one of the tumblers, which is deposited in the small well of 
Black Art table. The mercerized handkerchief is spread over 
the protruding top of tumbler, as already explained. 

The handkerchief vanisher is hooked on the table drape at 
performer's right hand rear corner of table. 

The remaining flag and tumbler are placed in view upon 
table. 

Performer begins operations by borrowing a lady's watch 
and a gentleman's hat (silk or derby), the latter being placed, 
mouth downward, on the left end of table. Thj watch is then 
fairly wrapped in the flag, and a spectator permitted to satisfy 
himself that the watch is so wrapped ; after which the flag par- 
cel is placed in the tumbler, and the latter covered with the 
mercerized handkerchief. That is to say, the tumbler is placed 
just in front of the large well on the table, and the concealed 
tumbler is drawn from the small well in the act of picking 
up the handkerchief; and under cover of spreading the hand- 
kerchief over the visible tumbler the latter is dropped into the 
large well, the procedure up to this point being identicalwith 
the "Watch, Handkerchief, and Bran." The performer, hold- 
ing the covered (substitute) tumbler in right hand, takes a 
step or two away from the table, then suddenly recalls him- 
self. Perhaps the company suspect some deception in the 
covering of the glass. As he would not deceive them for the 
world, etc., he will gladly remove the handkerchief, and dis- 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 13 

pense with its services, which he does accordingly. As this 
substitute tumbler, contains a flag, the company are led to 
believe that the watch is likewise contained therein, and do 
not suspect an exchange at this stage of the trick. The hand- 
kerchief is thrown on the table, the tumbler being retained 
in right hand, while the left reaches for the hat. He states, 
"Since you suspect the tumbler perhaps you likewise suspect 
the hat. You will observe it is quite empty." He shows the 
interior of the hat, then replaces it mouth downward upon 
the table, this time in front of the large well, sideways to 
the company. This brings the left hand behind the hat. He 
continues, "I w r ill place the tumbler, containing the watch and 
flag, here in plain view of all upon the table ; and the hat — 
this little stand is just the place for it." During the momen- 
tary hesitation, as if seeking a suitable location for the hat, 
the left hand first and second fingers, under cover of the 
hat, reach into the well and seize the rim of the original tum- 
bler (containing the watch and flag). The hat is then lifted 
by the brim between thumb and forefinger of same hand, when 
the mere act of raising it loads in the tumbler; and the hat 
is carried to the side stand and placed thereon, mouth upward. 
Returning to the table, he decides to pass the three arti- 
cles — w r atch, flag, and glass — into the hat, by the invisible 
process of mystic transmigration. To make the process still 
more difficult, he will undertake to pass the articles singly 
instead of together. First the watch. He taps the glass with 
his w^and, immediately shaking out the flag with his right 
hand, and thus proving, according to conjurer's logic, that 
the w r atch has just made an invisible flight from the glass 
into the hat. At the same time the left hand rests for an 
instant at the rear table edge, and palms the hand box. The 
hands are now brought together, and the flag duly vanishes. 
Only the tumbler remains. This follows the flag by means 
of the double handkerchief, the tumbler being dropped into 
the well, just vacated by the other tumbler; the performer 
moving away from the table with the handkerchief distended 
by means of the cardboard disc therein, and after suitable 
"hanky panky" draws the handkerchief through his hands, 
proving the evanishment of the tumbler. It only remains to 



14 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

remove the original tumbler, flag, and watch, one after the 
other, from the hat. 

If the performer does not care to make this last use of 
the well in the Black Art table he may have a chair on his 
right provided with a bag servante, for the reception of the 
last tumbler. 

It will be noted that the above method possesses the ad- 
vantage over the other version referred to in that the tumbler 
containing the flag and watch are apparently not removed 
from sight, or, at any rate, do not approach the hat, until the 
latter has been disposed of on the side stand. 

Remarks : The above three tricks, based upon this par- 
ticular method of substituting the tumblers, are given as ex- 
amples of the many different effects obtainable by such means. 
Several other tricks, involving the same principle, will be 
given later on. I have tested the same thoroughly in the 
drawing-room, and, to my knowledge, no one has ever sus- 
pected the presence of more than one tumbler under the 
handkerchief at one and the same time. Many other clever 
effects are obtainable in like manner. For instance, a certain 
number of coins may be deposited in the tumbler and caused 
to vanish therefrom while covered, and vice versa. Again, 
many well-known tricks may, I venture to say, be improved 
upon by this exchange, as, for instance, the "Wedding Ring 
and Flag," described in "Later Magic," p. 204, in which an 
exchange of tumblers takes place on the servante of the table. 
Such exchange is far more easily effected by the method 
above outlined. Probably other uses will occur to the reader. 



THE LAMP-CHIMNEY COLOR CHANGE. 

This very effective color change occurred to me in the 
use of the lamp-chimney vanish. It requires considerable 
practice, but, once mastered, the effect is astonishing to the 
uninitiated. 

Effect: A silk handkerchief (blue, for instance) is pushed 
into an ordinary lamp-chimney, which is held in both hands 
in a horizontal position before the body, as in the regular lamp- 
chimney vanish. The performer now counts three, elevating 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 15 

and lowering the arms with each count, and at the third and 
last count the handkerchief instantly changes to, say, a green 
color, and, with the lamp-chimney, is immediately handed out 
for inspection. 

Explanation: The blue handkerchief is provided with ;. 
little pocket of same colored silk in one extreme corner, with 
opening in the point or corner ,of the handkerchief. The 
green silk is beforehand crumpled up (not folded), and pushed 
into the pocket, one corner of the green being left in such 
position as to be readily pulled from the pocket. A sleeve pull 
is arranged in right sleeve in regular manner for the lamp- 
chimney vanish. 

In presenting the trick, the performer inserts the blue 
silk through the loop of the pull, and pushes the handkerchief 
into the lamp-chimney, shaking down the corners of the silk 
to the opposite end of the chimney, for the apparent purpose 
of arranging the handkerchief nicely therein. In actual prac- 
tice it will be found that the corner containing the little pocket 
may be kept on the side nearest the performer's body ; the 
fingers of the left hand are inserted into the small end of 
the chimney, and draw down the corners of the silk, at the 
same time obtaining possession of the corner of the concealed 
green silk in the pocket. This corner is brought outside the 
chimney and secured with the thumb on the side next per- 
former's body, being quite invisible to those in front by rea- 
son of the blue handkerchief filling the chimney 

The same up-and-down movements are now executed 
with the lamp-chimney as in the regular "vanish;" the blue 
silk flies up the sleeve, and the green silk, by reason of being 
retained by the left thumb, is drawn out of the pocket with 
the evanishment of the blue and expands along the lamp- 
chimney. The keenest eye cannot detect the substitution of 
the green silk for the blue. 

As I have said, considerable practice is necessary to pre- 
sent this color change with success. The precise method Oi 
loading the green silk into the pocket of the blue must be 
determined by actual practice ; and the pushing of the doubled 
blue silk into the lamp-chimney, and the obtaining of the co. 
ner of the green from the pocket, must be carefully performed. 



16 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

By using handkerchiefs with colored centers and white 
borders, vide the Odin Color Changing Handkerchiefs and 
Twentieth Century Trick, the chances of failure in executing 
the Lamp-Chimney Color Change are considerably lessened, 
as the corner of the green (centered) silk could then protrude 
from the pocket without attracting attention. For the same 
reason flags will be found specially adapted to this color 
change, as set forth in the trick next following. 



THE TWENTIETH CENTURY TRICK. 
With Novel Variations. 

I suppose almost every performer has his own particular 
version of the Twentieth Century Handkerchief Trick. The 
following series of effects will be found an effective variation : 

Effect: Two silk handkerchiefs are knotted together at 
extreme corners and placed in a goblet on the table. A United 
States silk flag, a hydrometer glass and a piece of plain paper 
are then introduced. The paper is formed into a long tube, and 
inserted in the hydrometer glass to render same opaque, the 
flag being then pushed down into the tube and glass with 
wand. Flag vanishes from hydrometer glass, and mysteriously 
joins itself between the knotted handkerchiefs in goblet. 

Performer next produces, by magical means, a small Brit- 
ish flag. Handkerchiefs and United States flag, still joined, 
are returned to goblet and British flag pushed into common 
lamp-chimney, which is held horizontally between hands. 
Performer declares that he will cause the British flag to van- 
ish visibly from the lamp-chimney, and become joined to the 
string of silks in goblet. At the count of three the British 
flag vanishes from the chimney; or, more properly speaking, 
the British flag transforms itself into the United States flag 
in the lamp-chimney. Disclaiming any intention on his part 
of such a proceeding, the performer hands the lamp-chimney 
and United States flag for inspection, and, bringing forward 
the goblet, draws the string of silks therefrom, when the miss- 
ing British flag is found joined between the handkerchiefs in- 
stead of the United States flag. 



SO Ml'l MODERN CONJURING 17 

Explanation: As will be readily surmised, the above 
series of effects is really a pleasing- combination of the Twen- 
tieth Century and Lamp-Chimney Color Changing tricks ; 
while the introduction of the new hydrometer glass vanish adds 
a touch of novelty. The evanishment of a flag or handkerchief 
by means of the Hydrometer glass is possibly new to many 
amateurs, but as this ingenious idea is not my own, I would 
not be justified in disclosing the secret of its working here. 
The truly magical idea involved in its construction places it 
in the foremost ranks of the now multifarious so-called hand- 
kerchief "vanishes." The apparatus is obtainable from any 
reliable dealer in magical goods. 

Reverting to the trick under -consideration : The first 
stage is, of course, the ordinary version of the Twentieth Cen- 
tury trick, one of the handkerchiefs being double, so as to form 
a pocket for the concealment of the flag. 

The additional requisites consist of duplicates of the two 
silk handkerchiefs, two duplicate United States flags, two 
British flags (same size as United States), hydrometer glass, 
piece of paper, lamp-chimney, sleeve pull, etc. 

One of the British flags is provided with pocket of same 
colored silk in one corner, in which one of the United States 
flags is inserted beforehand, in readiness for the lamp-chimney 
color change. One corner of the United States flag is permit- 
ted to protrude from the pocket, as its color blends with that 
of the British flag, and is therefore unnoticeable. This British 
flag is prepared for magical production, according to perform- 
er's own idea. 

The remaining British flag is joined between the dupli- 
cate handkerchiefs, and the string formed into a compact par- 
cel, which is vested. 

In presentation, the performer vanishes the visible United 
States flag from hydrometer glass, reproducing it between the 
joined handkerchiefs in goblet. The prepared British flag is 
then magically produced. Before returning the handkerchiefs 
and United States flag to the goblet they are rolled into a 
rather compact parcel and exchanged for the vested parcel 
according to performer's own method. The lamp-chimney 



18 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

color change is now executed with British flag, resulting in 
its transformation into the unprepared United States flag. 

It will be noted that everything may be freely inspected 
at the conclusion of the experiment, lamp-chimney, United 
States and British flags, and handkerchiefs. 



QUADRUPLE FLAG AND HANDKERCHIEF TRICK. 

In the "Magician Annual," 1907-1908, Robertson-Keene 
explains an ingenious arrangement for successively passing, by 
magical means, two silk handkerchiefs between two others, se- 
curely joined at extreme corners ; his idea being to have one of 
the original joined handkerchiefs made double (vide Twen- 
tieth Century Trick), in which duplicates of the two handker- 
chiefs making such invisible journey are concealed. Person- 
ally, I prefer the following method for the drawing-room, 
though there is nothing particularly new, either in effect or 
manner of working, about it : 

Effect: Two colored silk handkerchiefs are joined to- 
gether and placed in a goblet. A small United States flag is 
caused to vanish from the hydrometer glass, and is found 
joined between the silks in goblet. The string of silks is re- 
turned to the goblet, and a small British flag produced, by 
magical means, or otherwise. This latter flag now vanishes 
from the performers' hands, and upon again drawing the string 
of silks from the goblet both the United States and British 
flags are found securely joined between the handkerchiefs. 
The string could now be transformed into a large United 
States silk flag with very good effect. 

Explanation : Requisites as under : 

A double red silk handkerchief, with opening in corner ; a 
duplicate red silk, not double; two blue silks; two 8x12 United 
States silk flags ; two 8x12 British silk flags ; hydrometer glass ; 
a piece of cartridge paper 6x15 inches for hydrometer; wand; 
an ordinary goblet, and a handkerchief vanisher, preferably the 
extra finger tip, provided with triangular piece of a British 
flag. 

Join in a string, corner to corner, and in order named, the 
double red silk, one British flag, one United States flag, and 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 19 

one blue silk. Then double the British flag, and push it into 
the opening of the double red handkerchief, inserting a small 
pin at the opening of the pocket, so that the flag can not be 
drawn out of the double handkerchief. The string now appears 
to consist only of the red silk, United States flag, and blue silk. 
Roll into a compact parcel, with portions of only the red and 
blue silks visible, and vest parcel. 

Prepare remaining British flag for magical production; 
pocket the finger tip fake, or whatever form of vanisher you 
use ; and arrange in view on table the goblet, hydrometer glass, 
paper, ordinary red and blue silks, and United States flag. 

In presentation of trick, the ordinary red and blue silks 
are joined fairly together, and formed into a parcel. Exchange 
by your own particular method for the parcel of four, which 
drop in goblet. Offer hydrometer glass and paper for inspec- 
tion, and insert paper in glass in shape of cylinder. Spread 
United States flag over top of the hydrometer glass and push 
it down with the wand into the paper tube. Flag vanishes 
from tube and is found knotted between the red and blue 
silks in goblet. Return the string of silks to goblet, inci- 
dentally removing pin inserted in mouth of pocket of red 
handkerchief, showing plainly, without verbally calling at- 
tention to the fact, that no substitution takes place. If the 
company suspected substitution in the first instance, they 
will have no grounds for such suspicions in the second. Pro- 
duce British flag according to your own idea, and vanish by 
the extra finger tip fake, or otherwise. The handkerchiefs 
are then drawn sharply out of the goblet, which has the 
effect of drawing the concealed British flag out of the double 
red handkerchief. 



THE PHANTOM HANDKERCHIEFS. 

This neat combination is a sort of reversal of the effect 
obtained in the Twentieth Century Trick. 

Effect: A red, a purple, and a blue silk handkerchief are 
joined fairly together in usual manner, in order named, and 
pushed into a glass cylinder, which is left upright on the 
table. A piece of paper is next formed into a neat tube by 



20 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

rolling same round a candle, the latter being withdrawn and 
the ends of the tube sealed with ribbon. The empty tube is 
then inserted in an upright position in the candle-stick. Per- 
former states that he will cause the purple silk to pass in- 
visibly from the red and blue silks in glass cylinder into the 
sealed paper tube. Silks are accordingly drawn from cylin- 
der and found to consist of the red and blue only, joined to- 
gether; while the missing purple silk is extracted from the 
paper tube. 

Performer is about to separate the red and blue silks for 
the purpose of again knotting the purple one between them, 
when he recalls himself. Such a proceeding would hardly be 
considered proper from a magical standpoint, and he will 
therefore let the spirits do the work for him. He accordingly 
pushes the three handkerchiefs (red and blue joined, purple 
separate) into the glass cylinder, as before, and upon fanning 
the cylinder the three silks again become joined as in the 
beginning, the purple between the two. 

Proceeding with the second stage of the trick, another 
piece of paper is formed into a cylinder, and the string of 
handkerchiefs pushed therein, a portion of the red silk be- 
ing permitted to protrude at top, in which condition the tube 
is placed upon the table in view of all. A fourth silk hand- 
kerchief, of a green color, is now introduced (by magical 
means, or otherwise), and pushed into a common lamp-chim- 
ney, which is held in both hands in a horizontal position be- 
fore the body. The magician counts three, and at the third 
and last count the green handkerchief in the lamp-chimney 
visibly changes to the purple one previously joined to the 
red and blue ; and upon drawing forth the string of silks from 
the paper cylinder, the green silk is found joined between 
the red and blue, in place of the purple. 

Explanation: Eleven silk handkerchiefs are required for 
this experiment: Three red, three purple, three blue, and 
two green; a Conradi glass changing tube, with' mirror par- 
tition (or a mirror glass) ; two pieces of plain paper about 
8x10 inches; a candle, prepared as described later on under 
the "Handkerchief and Paper Tube," second method ; a 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 21 

candle-stick; a handkerchief changing tube; a common lamp- 
chimney; and a sleeve pull. 

One red, one purple, one blue, and one green handker- 
chief are placed in view on the table. This green silk is 
provided with a little pocket in one corner, into which is 
packed one of the purple silks, as described above under the 
Lamp-Chimney Color Change. 

One red and one blue handkerchief are joined together 
and tucked into one side of the Conradi tube, this side being 
turned to the rear in placing cylinder upon table, in order that 
it may appear, for the time being, empty. 

One of the purple handkerchiefs is loaded into the shell 
of the candle, and the latter inserted in candle-stick and 
placed on table, together with one of the pieces of paper. 

Remaining red, 'green, and blue silks, joined in order 
named, are loaded in changing tube, and the latter* placed on 
two hooks at back of side stand, on top of which is laid the 
other piece of paper. 

Lamp-chimney is placed on the other side stand, and 
when the performer has adjusted his sleeve pull he is ready 
for operations. 

He first picks up the red, purple and blue silks from the 
table, and joins them together in usual manner. The mid- 
dle, purple silk is then doubled, and the other two twisted 
round it into a loose parcel, which is pushed into the empty, 
front compartment of the Conradi tube. As both "sides" of 
the tube now contain red and blue silks exposed to view, the 
tube may be handled pretty freely without disclosing the 
presence of two sets of handkerchiefs therein. It is placed 
upright on the table, with the side containing the red and 
1 lue silks only, to the front. Paper tube is next formed by 
the aid of candle, and inserted in candle-stick. Purple hand- 
kerchief passes from Conradi tube to paper tube; the two 
silks being shaken out of the former, and the latter torn 
across the middle, disclosing purple silk therein. In order 
to again join the three silks, the joined red and blue and the 
separate purple one are returned to the front compartment 
of the Conradi tube, which is reversed in placing same upon 
table. The fanning process is then enacted, or any other 



22 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 




Fig. 1. The Wedding Ring Trick. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 23 

suitable pretext, and in due time the string of silks, all joined 
together, are drawn from the tube. Performer now forms 
cylinder from piece of paper on side stand, loading in the 
changing tube. The red, purple, and blue silks are pushed 
therein, and thereby exchanged for the red, green and blue 
string, a portion of the red being permitted to protrude at 
top. In standing the cylinder upon the table, changing tube 
is dropped in servante or Black Art well. 

Green handkerchief is now introduced, together with 
lamp-chimney, and the former pushed into the latter, silk 
being passed through loop of pull in regular manner; the 
corner of the concealed purple silk in pocket being secured 
by thumb at left end of chimney, in manner already de- 
scribed. By this means the green silk is visibly transformed 
into the purple one; and the handkerchiefs, upon being with- 
drawn from the paper cylinder, consist of the red, green, 
and blue. 

THE WEDDING RING TRICK. 

If one may judge by present day conjuring literature, new 
and novel tricks with rings appear to be sadly lacking. I 
therefore take pleasure in submitting the following "original 
conception," which I can recommend as most subtle and mys- 
tifying. 

Effect: A wedding ring is borrowed and knotted in the 
center of a rose-colored silk handkerchief, which is then de- 
posited in a tumbler. The performer, having satisfied all 
present that the ring is actually knotted in the handkerchief, 
covers the tumbler with a large silk handkerchief, and passes 
a rubber band over it to make doubly secure. The glass, 
thus covered, is placed in plain vieAv upon a side stand. A 
green silk handkerchief and a common lamp-chimney are next 
introduced. The green silk is pushed into the chimney, which 
is held between the palms in a horizontal position. At the 
count of three, the green silk changes visibly in the lamp- 
chimney to the rose-colored silk, and, Avith the chimney, is 
immediately passed out for inspection ; and upon uncovering 
the tumbler, the green silk is found with the borrowed ring 
knotted therein quite as securely as it was originally knotted 



24 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

in the rose-colored handkerchief. Now, without any substi- 
tution whatever, the tumbler is carried down to the owner of 
the ring, who unties the silk and identifies her property. 

The above is, of course, too short to be considered an 
independent trick, but it is just one of those short, snappy 
effects that work in well in almost any part of the program, 
and more especially a series of handkerchief effects. 

Taking the above, however, as the "first stage" of the 
trick, I present as a second part a version of Mr. Frank 
Kennard's "Mutilated Parasol Trick,"* the combination of 
the wedding ring and parasol giving a very pleasing effect. 

Second Stage: The lady having removed her ring from 
the green silk handkerchief, the performer begs further in- 
dulgence, and returns to the stage with the ring on his wand, 
which he places across the tumbler to keep the ring in view 
of those present. He then introduces a small United States 
flag, in which the ring is knotted as before, and deposited in 
a cone of newspaper formed before the audience. This is 
placed in an upright position in the tumbler. The performer 
next introduces a little red silk parasol, which, after spreading 
and closing, he returns to its paper wrapper. Stating that 
he will cause the flag and ring to pass invisibly from the paper 
cone into the parasol parcel, he fires his magic pistol and 
immediately opens out the paper cone. To his consternation 
he finds the cover of the parasol therein, the flag and ring 
having vanished. Drawing the parasol from the paper wrap- 
per, it is found devoid of the silk covering, while the flag 
is found in pieces attached to the bare ribs. The borrowed 
ring is missing. Performer replaces silk covering on the 
frame, and returns parasol to the paper wrapper. His nerves 
being a little upset at this unexpected turn of affairs, he pro- 
ceeds to refresh himself, with due apologies, with a glass of 
wine, which he pours from a bottle brought on by his assist- 
ant. He then restores the mutilated parasol with a tap of the 
wand. The parasol is removed from the paper, wholly restored, 
and upon spreading it the flag is brought to light, likewise re- 
stored, but enlarged to about twice its original size. As th^ 



*See C. Lang Neill's "Modern Conjurer," p. 255. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 

borrowed ring is still missing, the magician, as a last resort, 
breaks the wine bottle, discovering therein a live dove with 
the wedding ring attached to its neck with a piece of ribbon. 

Explanation : Requisites and preparation as follows : 

Two rose-colored and two green silk handkerchiefs. One of 
the green silks is provided with a little pocket of same col- 
ored silk in one corner, vide Lamp-Chimney Color Change. 

A large colored silk handkerchief. 

Two small tumblers, of the tall, tapering variety. 

Rubber band. 

Black Art center table, provided with large open well in 
rear center of top. 

Common lamp-chimney. 

A sleeve pull. 

Two "dummy'' wedding rings. 

L'nited States silk flag, 12x18 inches. 

L'nited States silk flag, 24x36 inches. 

A newspaper prepared with secret pocket in usual man- 
ner for vanishing flag. 

Obtain at a dry goods store two small parasols. Discard 
stock covers and make two covers of red silk. One silk 
cover is permanently attached to one parasol frame. Divide 
a duplicate 12x18 United States flag into three mutilated 
pieces, and attach at equal distances apart to the extreme 
ends of ribs of parasol with bare frame. 

A piece of heavy brown wrapping paper, about 36x60 
inches. Fold one of the shorter ends of the paper over about 
six inches, and secure with glue, forming a narrow pocket 
across that end. Insert the bare parasol frame in this pocket. 
Place covered parasol on same end of paper, and roll up. 

A pistol. 

Dove Bottle. Windecker Bottle preferred. 

Wine glass. 

Tray. 

Small hammer. 

A live dove. 

A side stand on performer's right and left. 



26 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

The parasol parcel is leaned against left side stand/ parasol 
handles uppermost. On same stand is laid the prepared news- 
paper. 

Arranged on Black Art center table are the green silk 
handkerchief with pocket which contains the duplicate rose- 
colored silk; the wand, on which is slipped one of the dummy 
rings (wand being so placed that ring is concealed) ; the 12x18 
United States flag; and rubber band. 

The right side stand is placed well forward, and a little 
to center of stage. It is provided with a shallow bag servante. 
On this stand are placed one of the tumblers and the remain- 
ing rose-colored silk handkerchief, a portion of the latter be- 
ing permitted to hang over the servante, at back. 

The remaining "properties" are placed in readiness "be- 
hind the scenes." 

Before making his entrance, the performer "loads up" as 
follows : Sleeve pull arranged in right sleeve ; 24x36 silk 
flag folded -in a compact parcel and vested on right side ; loose 
parasol cover, folded small, placed in right pocket; remaining 
dummy ring placed on tip of second finger of right hand, in 
readiness for ring change. 

Entering, the performer requests the , loan of a lady's 
wedding ring, which he receives on the tip of right forefinger, 
concealing the dummy ring by bending the fingers into the 
palm in the usual manner. Returning to stage, he steps be- 
hind side stand, substituting borrowed ring for dummy by 
the finger change during the journey. The left hand now 
removes the (dummy) ring from right second finger and holds 
it well up in view of all, while the right hand draws the silk 
handkerchief off the stand, at the same time permitting the 
borrowed ring to slide off the forefinger into the servante. 

The dummy ring is now knotted in the center of the rose- 
colored silk, and deposited in the tumbler. As soon as the 
performer removes the tumbler from the stand, the assistant 
comes forward and draws the side stand back to the right of 
stage, to "balance" with the other stand on extreme left. This 
enables him, by grasping the top of stand front and back be- 
tween both hands, to palm the ring out of the servante, which 
he forthwith carries behind the scenes, and quickly knots the 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 27 

ring- in the center of the ordinary green silk handkerchief. 
The knotted silk is then placed in the duplicate tumbler, in 
such manner that it just fills the glass. The latter is then 
covered with the large silk handkerchief. The assistant takes 
these in his right hand, nipping the rim of the glass through 
the fabric between thumb and forefinger (see the "Watch, 
Handkerchief, and Bran"). This arm is permitted to hang 
by the side, in which position the hand appears to hold the 
large handkerchief only, the presence of the tumbler not be- 
ing noticeable. The lamp-chimney is held well up in left 
hand, and in such position the assistant enters on the per- 
former's right (if he must enter on the left, the position of 
the articles with respect to either hand must be reversed), and 
advancing to the center table, places the lamp-chimney there- 
on. In laying down the handkerchief the tumbler is per- 
mitted to slide into the well in table top. 

Meanwhile the performer has been taking up the re- 
quired time for the operations of his assistant behind the 
scenes. Professing to hear murmurs to the effect that the 
borrowed ring is not fairly knotted in the handkerchief, he 
obligingly brings forward the tumbler, which he places in the 
keeping of a spectator well apart from the owner of the ring, 
and. removing the ring from the silk, requests the gentleman 
to knot it in the handkerchief himself. The performer then 
returns to the stage, and, walking behind the center table 
(on which the lamp-chimney and large handkerchief have 
now been placed by the assistant), he picks up the large hand- 
kerchief, placing the glass, which contains the rose-colored 
silk and dummy ring, just forward of the well in table top. 
He shakes out the large handkerchief, showing it freely on 
both sides, and spreads it over the tumbler, quickly obtaining 
possession of the duplicate tumbler in the well with left 
hand, while the right lifts the original, covered tumbler. As 
he moves away from the table, the left hand, under cover of 
the large handkerchief, pushes the duplicate tumbler (contain- 
ing the borrowed ring knotted in the green silk) upwards 
over the original glass in manner already explained in the 
"Watch, Handkerchief, and Bran." The rubber band is passed 



28 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

over the handkerchief and glass, and the parcel left in view 
on right side stand. 

The green silk handkerchief is next introduced ; picked 
up with the "pocket" corner concealed in the hand, and the 
silk shown freely on both sides. It is then doubled over the 
loop of the sleeve pull, and pushed into the lamp-chimney, 
he left fingers obtaining a corner of the concealed rose-colored 
silk from the pocket. Lamp Chimney Color Change then 
executed, and the rose-colored silk and lamp-chimney offered 
for inspection. Returning to right side stand, performer re- 
moves the covering from the glass, carrying away the upper 
tumbler, in manner now familiar to the reader, by nipping the 
rim through the handkerchief, and disposing of it in the ser- 
vante in laying down the handkerchief; all eyes being drawn 
to the duplicate tumbler in left hand, which contains the green 
silk and borrowed ring. The glass is carried into the audi- 
ence, and the owner of the ring requested to identify her prop- 
erty. Before leaving the stage, the magician picks up his 
wand, with the dummy ring thereon concealed in right hand. 

Second Stage: Receiving the borrowed ring once more, 
this time on the wand, it is exchanged for the substitute by 
the wand change, the wand then being laid across the tumbler 
on right side stand' to keep the (dummy) ring in view, while 
the opposite hand lays the large silk handkerchief carelessly 
to one side, slipping the palmed borrowed ring thereunder. 

Small silk flag is now introduced, and dummy ring knotted 
therein. While this is taking place, the assistant enters with 
the pistol, which he places on center table, and removes the 
large handkerchief (together with borrowed ring), lamp- 
chimney, and other articles dispensed with by the magician. 
The performer next forms the paper cone from the prepared 
newspaper, and in picking up the knotted flag, obtains the 
little parcel made up of the loose parasol cover, from right 
pocket. The flag is transferred to right hand, the two parcels 
of silk appearing as one ; and in apparently placing the flag 
in the paper cone, the parasol cover is dropped into the cone 
proper and the flag and ring into the secret pocket of the paper. 
Top of cone is then turned down, and cone placed upright in 
tumbler. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 29 

The little red parasol is next introduced. The brown 
paper parcel is" seized by the free edge of the paper, and per- 
mitted to unroll by its own weight, the covered parasol being 
taken in opposite hand when it makes its appearance. As the 
duplicate parasol frame is concealed in the narrow pocket of 
the brown paper, no one suspects its presence there. The 
performer spreads the visible parasol, and places it for a 
moment over his shoulder, permitting all to see, without 
verbally calling attention to the fact that his hands are other- 
wise empty. The parasol is then brought to the natural posi- 
tion before the body for closing, under cover of which the 
right hand obtains the large flag parcel from vest, and drops 
it into the parasol in the act of closing the latter. The para- 
sol is then wrapped in the paper as before, a portion of the 
handle being pulled out a little way; that is, the audience be- 
lieve it to be the handle of the parasol just exhibited, but as 
a matter of fact it is the handle of the duplicate parasol that 
is drawn out. The performer now states that he will cause 
the flag and ring to pass invisibly from the paper cone to the 
parasol parcel. He fires his pistol, immediately opening the 
cone. The parasol cover being discovered therein, to the evi- 
dent discomfiture of the performer, he crumples up the news- 
paper and tosses it aside, thereby disposing of the flag and 
dummy ring; and proceeds to ascertain the extent of the dam- 
age to his parasol. The parasol with bare frame is drawn 
from the brown paper roll, and the mutilated flag found sus- 
pended from the ribs. The silk cover is spread over the frame, 
and the parasol returned to the paper once more. 

While all this is taking place, the assistant enters with 
the bottle of wine and glass on the tray, which he places on 
right stand. Of course, the bottle has been duly prepared 
with wine in the upper receptacle, and the dove, with the bor- 
rowed ring attached to its neck, in the lower. 

Having refreshed himself with a little wine, the per- 
former proceeds with the restoration of the flag and parasol. 
He brings forward the parasol parcel, and, tapping it with his 
wand, pronounces his mystic formula, immediately withdraw- 
ing the original, unprepared parasol from the paper, and, spread- 
ing it, "discovers" the silk flag under one of the ribs, like- 



30 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

wise wholly restored, but enlarged to about twice its original 
size. 

Noting that the lady is getting a little uneasy for the 
safety of her ring, the conjurer institutes a search for the 
missing article, and, as a last resort, calls for a hammer, which 
the assistant brings on, and the bottle is broken, resulting 
in the discovery of the ring attached to the dove's neck. 

I generally work the Flower Trick in here, as it follows 
the Wedding Ring and Parasol in natural sequence, blending 
the whole into a series of experiments most striking and mysti- 
fying in effect. For this purpose, at the close of the above 
trick, I detach the top and upper section of center rod of one 
of the side stands, and, spreading the parasol, invert the latter 
in the base of stand (see frontispiece). The stand illustrated 
is the Thayer type of black-and-gold side stand, which is par- 
ticularly adapted to the amateur's use, and, as in the present 
case, combines many uses not obtainable in the metal base 
and center rod stand. 

If the ferrule of the parasol is too small for the socket in 
the top of lower section of center rod, a wooden spool, bored 
to proper size for receiving the ferrule, may be slipped into 
the socket, which holds the parasol firmly in position. 

The flowers are now "produced" from the paper cone in 
the regular way, being shaken into the inverted parasol with 
very good effect. 

INVISIBLE FLIGHT OF HANDKERCHIEFS. 

In a recent issue of "The Sphinx,"* Herr Jansen con- 
tributes, under the above title, a clever method of effecting 
the magical transposition of two silk handkerchiefs, deposited 
in separate paper cylinders. The following is my own method 
of working the same trick, which possesses the advantage 
(I might say improvement) that everything may be freely 
inspected both before and after the experiment. The effect is 
practically identical with Herr Jansen's version, and I will 
therefore follow the lines of his description. 



*See "The Sphinx," Vol. 7, No. 9. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 31 

Effect: Showing- both hands empty, performer exhibits 
two ordinary pieces of newspaper, 6x8 inches ; also two unpre- 
pared silk handkerchiefs, red and white, which he removes 
from a glass goblet. One of the papers is now formed into 
a small cylinder, into which the red silk is pushed, and ends 
of tube pressed in on handkerchief, thus sealing the parcel. 
The same process is repeated with the second paper and white 
silk. The two parcels are then placed in empty goblet, and 
a spectator requested to choose one of them. This being 
done, the chosen package is opened by the performer, and 
handkerchief drawn out into view a little way to ascertain the 
color, which, let us suppose, is white. Silk is tucked back into 
paper, and end of cylinder again closed. This parcel is held 
by performer, while the other parcel (which would naturally 
contain the red silk) is held in the glass by spectator. A 
transposition of the silks being now in order, spectator opens 
the package in the glass, which is found to contain the white 
silk instead of the red, Avhile package in performer's posses- 
sion contains the red. Handkerchiefs and papers immediately 
offered for close inspection. 

Explanation: To obtain the above effect, I utilize a 
little "fake" commonly employed for the evanishment of a 
silk handkerchief ; namely, the so-called "extra finger tip," 
provided, as usual, with little triangular piece of (in this case) 
white silk. All the visible properties — pieces of newspaper, 
handkerchiefs, and glass goblet, — are quite unprepared, and 
may therefore be subjected to the most rigid inspection if re- 
quired. Each of the papers is in turn formed into a cylinder 
about one inch in diameter, for the reception of one of the 
handkerchiefs, and ends of tube in each case are pressed in 
on handkerchief. Both cylinders are then dropped in goblet. 
Performer must be able to identify the paper containing the 
red silk, which is easily done if due notice is taken of some 
conspicuous type on newspaper. Spectator is now requested 
to hold goblet over head, and to choose one of the parcels 
therefrom. This confuses him as to the exact position of the 
papers. If he chooses the red handkerchief parcel, performer 
takes it from him, leaving the white handkerchief parcel. If 
he chooses the white handkerchief parcel, he is permitted to 



32 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

retain it; the result always being that spectator holds the 
white handkerchief. During the choosing of the parcel, per- 
former finds ample opportunity to slip the finger shell on tip 
of right forefinger. He then opens one end of his parcel 
enough to permit the insertion of his forefinger. The fake 
is thereby introduced into the tube under pretext of pulling 
out a piece of the silk. The little corner of white silk is 
drawn out of the fake and cylinder into view a little way, 
performer stating that, as he appears to hold the white hand- 
kerchief parcel, spectator must therefore have the red. The 
corner is then poked back with forefinger, fake removed there- 
on, and end of cylinder again pressed in. Spectator now opens 
his paper, and of course finds the white silk therein instead 
of the red. Performer then offers him the other paper, from 
which the red silk is extracted. 

In Herr Jansen's version, one of the papers is specially 
prepared (and can not therefore be left in the hands of spec- 
tators), having a corner of a white silk handkerchief, four 
inches long, glued to upper edge of same. In exhibiting this 
paper the piece of silk is concealed by fingers, and rolled inside 
of cylinder. Of course this paper must be identified from 
the other, unprepared paper, and in forming the cylinder, the 
end containing the piece of silk must likewise be borne in 
mind. 

The trick is carried along the same lines already laid 
down, red handkerchief being placed in cylinder containing 
white silk corner, which is drawn out to view, as already ex- 
plained. It is needless to add that this parcel must be opened 
by the performer himself, and the piece of silk again concealed 
by the fingers. 



ANOTHER "INVISIBLE FLIGHT." 

This may follow the transposition of the red and white 
silks as an additional effect. 

Effect: Having presented the "Invisible Flight of Hand- 
kerchiefs/' performer now exhibits two more pieces of news- 
paper, 8x10 inches, one of which he forms into a small cornu- 
copia, which he secures with a pin, and places temporarily in 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 38 

goblet on table. Red handkerchief is now rolled smallei 
and smaller between the palms, until it is all but concealed 
in left hand, one corner of the silk being permitted to pro- 
trude to show all fair. Handkerchief is then pushed into 
paper cone, top of which is turned in all round on handker- 
chief, and cone laid on table. 

Remaining piece of paper is likewise formed into a cone ; 
the white silk is crumpled up and dropped into the paper, and 
top turned in as before. This parcel is deposited in goblet, 
and entrusted to the keeping of a spectator. 

For fear some of those present may doubt the presence 
of the red silk in the first cone, performer tears off the apex of 
same and draws a portion of the red silk into view; then 
tucks it back in paper, and twists up end. 

Red silk now passes invisibly from paper and joins the 
white silk in paper held by spectator. The first paper is 
tossed out and found empty, and upon opening the other, the 
red silk is found securely joined to the white silk. 

Explanation: The transposition of the red and white 
silk is effected by Herr Jansen's method, i. e., a corner of a 
white silk is attached to upper edge of one of the small 
papers. This piece of silk, by the way, I make only three 
inches long by one and one-half inches at broader end, and 
instead of gluing it to the upper edge of paper in the center, 
I affix it temporarily in the upper left hand corner of the 
paper by means of a pellet of wax. Cylinder is therefore 
formed beginning with this edge of paper, thus bringing the 
piece of silk within cylinder. 

For the second stage of the trick, the following requisites 
and preparation are necessary: 

Two pieces of newspaper, about 8x10 inches ; extra finger 
tip fake, provided with corner of red" silk ; a duplicate of the 
red and white handkerchiefs, which are knotted together at 
extreme corners, and then made into a compact parcel with 
red silk concealed within the white, parcel being vested. 

Presentation of second stage : Cornucopia formed and 
placed in goblet. With finger shell in position on left fore- 
finger, performer now "rotates" red silk into palms by the well- 
known process, palming the ball of silk in right hand. This 



34 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

latter hand now quickly removes the fake from left forefinger, 
reverses its position, and leaves it in closed left hand with the 
little corner of silk protruding between finger and thumb ; and 
in turning to the table (on the right), the parcel of silk is 
pocketed or vested, and cornucopia taken in right hand. The 
left hand, apparently containing the handkerchief, is then in- 
serted in the paper, simulating the motion of pushing silk 
well down into same. As a matter of fact, the finger shell 
is merely dropped, open end downwards, into apex of cone. 
Hand is withdrawn, obviously empty, and top of cone turned 
down. 

White handkerchief is next taken and crumpled up, being 
secretly exchanged by your own particular method for vested 
parcel of two joined handkerchiefs. This is dropped in second 
cone, placed in goblet, and handed to spectator. 

There is pretty sure to be some wise person in the audi- 
ence who suspects deception in the placing of the red silk in 
the first cone of paper ; and performer now endeavors to satisfy 
the skeptics that the silk was actually so placed. Ke tears the 
apex off the cone, pulls out the little corner of red silk, pokes 
it back, securing fake on forefinger, and the trick is practically 
done. The red silk naturally "vanishes" from first paper, 
and the spectator holding the goblet finds the missing hand- 
kerchief knotted to the white in the paper in his possession. 



THE LATEST HANDKERCHIEF "FLIGHT." 

I have recently been working up the following idea, 
based on the visible transposition of two silk handkerchiefs, 
placed in tumblers at some distance apart, said transposition 
taking place in full view of the audience without any covering 
of the tumblers whatsoever. While I have not as yet fully 
perfected all the minor details of construction in the apparatus 
involved, or the precise method of presentation, I take pleasure 
in presenting the root idea to my readers, believing that it may 
be put to some practical use in more ways than one. 

The effect under consideration is about as follows : 
Two glass-topped side stands are placed at right and left 
of stage, well down front. A glass tumbler and a silk hand- 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 35 

kerchief are in readiness on each stand, — say a green silk on 
the right and a yellow silk on the left. Performer offers the 
green silk for free inspection, if desired, and then pushes it 
into the tumbler on right side stand, leaving it thus in full 
view of those present. The yellow handkerchief is then 
shown and placed in the tumbler on left side stand, in like 
manner. Now, at the report of a pistol shot, a transposition 
takes place as quick as a lightning flash. The green handker- 
chief appears in the tumbler on left side stand, while the yel- 
low handkerchief appears in the tumbler on the right. The 
handkerchiefs are removed from the tumblers and freely- 
shown, or offered for inspection. 

Explanation: This surprising effect is accomplished by 
the use of two mechanical stands, two little "fakes," two bot- 
tomless tumblers, and four unprepared silk handkerchiefs, two 
of each color. The construction of the stands and fakes will 
best be understood by reference to Fig. 2. 

The fake, A, consists of a cylindrical metal tube about 
two inches in length by one inch in diameter. The lower 
end is provided with a double catch, CC, while the interior 
is fitted with a sliding partition, D, impelled upwards under 
the action of a strong coil spring, unless pressed to the bottom 
of tube and retained by the two catches, EE. 

The side stand may be fitted either with wood or glass 
top, without drapery. The standard, HH, is hollow, and con- 
tains a sliding piston, F, provided with a socket, G, at top 
for the reception of the double catch, CC, on the fake. The 
piston, F, should be at least twelve inches shorter in length 
than the hollow standard, and may be retained in the upper 
end of the latter, so that the top of the piston comes flush 
with table top, by means of a spring catch, L, in rear side of 
table standard. This spring may be released at pleasure by 
the pull of a thread, permitting the piston to slide to the bot- 
tom of the standard. The piston is weighted to insure prompt 
response to the release of the spring, L, and the bottom of 
the hollow standard should be provided with a rubber pad to 
break the fall of the piston. 

If, now, the fake, A, be placed over the top of the piston, 
F, in table top, and the double catch, CC, pressed into the 





Fig. 2. 



S OVE VODER X C X J U RIXG 37 

socket. G. at top of piston, locking it therein ; and the spring, 
L. be released by the thread pull, the piston slides instantly 
down the hollow standard, carrying A with it into the cavity, 
KK. of table standard. The catches. EE, which retain the 
sliding partition in the tube. A, do not quite pass the edges 
of the opening in table top in this operation, and are therefore 
pressed inwards by the impact, which forces the lower end 
of the catches, EE. outwards, releasing the coil spring within 
the tube, and the sliding partition flies upward, expelling the 
contents of the tube as the latter passes into the table standard. 

To prepare for the effect above set forth, the sliding 
partition in one of the tubes is set by the catches, EE, and 
one of the yellow silks packed into the space, B. This tube 
is covered externally with green silk to match the handker- 
chief of like color. The same procedure is followed with the 
second tube (which is covered externally with yellow silk), 
one of the green silks being packed therein. Both fakes are 
then vested or pocketed so as to be readily get-at-able, with- 
out confusion as to which tube contains the green or yellow 
handkerchief. 

The stands are prepared for use in each case by inverting 
same so that the piston, F, slides into the top proper, permit- 
ting the spring clip, L, to lock piston in such position. A bot- 
tomless tumbler is then placed on each stand, the remaining 
green and yellow silks being laid on right and left stands, re- 
spectively. 

In exhibiting the green silk, performer obtains the fake 
containing the yellow silk and palms it into the handkerchief 
in such manner that the pointed end of tube is about in the 
center thereof. Therefore, in pushing the silk into the bot- 
tomless tumbler I after exhibiting the glass free from table, 
then placing it directly over the piston), the double catch, 
CC, is pushed with the silk into the socket, G, of the piston, 
locking both the silk and tube thereto. Even should the tube 
be exposed partially to view in the tumbler, it would not be 
distinguished apart from the silk by reason of being covered 
with similar material. The same course is followed with the 
visible yellow silk and the tube containing the duplicate green 



38 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

silk, both being locked to the piston through the bottomless 
tumbler on left side stand. 

Pistol is now fired by performer ; the assistant releases 
the springs on each stand simultaneously; the pistons drop 
down, taking the visible handkerchiefs, as well as the tubes 
therein, with them ; while the sliding partitions, D, expel the 
concealed silks into the tumblers, in which they expand freely. 

The hollow space, KK, in top of table standard, is only 
sufficiently deep to receive the handkerchief and tube. The 
rest of the standard is bored only for the reception of the 
sliding piston, F, which is thereby held true to the opening 
in table top. 

The sliding partition, D, in tube, should be provided with 
a circular piece of cloth, as described later on under "A Chang- 
ing Tube Suggestion," to obviate the risk of the concealed 
silk getting jammed when expelled from the tube. 

The dotted outline in the drawing shows the position of 
the bottomless tumbler with respect to the tube and the piston 
in table standard. In some respects a wood table top would 
be preferable to the glass, as brads could then be so placed 
that the proper position for the tumbler with respect to the 
piston head, could be readily determined. 

It will be readily noted that the above idea may be util- 
ized for various other effects. By the use of a single table, 
a silk handkerchief may be merely "vanished" from the tum- 
bler, or changed to a totally different color, in full view of 
the audience ; a yellow silk could be visibly transformed into 
a live canary, or a handkerchief into a bouquet of (spring) 
flowers. Undoubtedly many other effects will suggest them- 
selves to the mind of the reader. 

HANDKERCHIEF AND PAPER TUBE. 

First Method. 

Effect: A piece of paper is freely shown, then formed 
into a tube round the wand, which is withdrawn and the ends 
of the tube sealed with pieces of ribbon. In this condition the 
empty tube is placed in the keeping of a spectator. The per- 
former then causes the evanishment of a silk handkerchief, 



S OM E MODER X C O X JUR1 X G 39 

stating that he will pass it invisibly into the sealed tube, and. 
upon opening the latter, this is found to be the case. 

Explanation: The trick depends upon the use of a hand- 
kerchief wand, one of the well-known types with short, re- 
movable plug in one end, to which is affixed a tiny hook. 
A duplicate silk handkerchief is beforehand attached to the 
hook on the plug, and both pushed into the hollow wand. The 
working of the trick will now be plain. In rolling the papei 
round the wand, the unprepared end of the latter projects an 
inch or so beyond the edge of the paper; the right hand seizes 
this and draws out the wand, while the opposite hand presses 
on the plug through the paper, thereby retaining plug and 
handkerchief in the tube. Ends of tube are then sealed to 
prevent discovery of silk. In opening out the paper, the plug 
on the handkerchief is masked by the hand, as usual. 

Caution: Take care how you load the duplicate silk into 
the wand, otherwise, in withdrawing the latter from the tube, 
the silk is pretty apt to extend beyond the end of the cylin- 
der. To avoid this, fold in following manner: Hold hand- 
kerchief by center ; then double, thus bringing the four corners 
,and center together. Push the silk into wand with blunt 
end of lead pencil, beginning with double fold and ending with 
the corners and true center. Attach plug to true center of 
silk and push home. 

Second Method. 

Effect: Same as preceding, except that paper tube is 
formed by means of a candle instead of the wand. 

Explanation: The "candle" consists of a genuine candle, 
over which is fitted a loose shell of glazed paper, the shell 
being about one inch greater in length than the solid. The 
lower end of shell is closed with a short section of a real 
candle, vide standard "dummy" candle, but in this case the 
piece is to represent the bottom, and not the top. The dupli- 
cate handkerchief is pleated up small and pushed to the bot- 
tom of shell, and solid candle inserted on top. The open 
end of shell should come flush with wick end of solid candle 
when the latter is in the former, without concealing wick 
on the solid candle. Thus prepared, the candle does not ap- 
pear "faked," and either end may be shown with impunity 



40 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

Have the faked candle burning in candlestick. Show 
piece of paper and lay on table. Blow out the candle and lay 
on the paper with the wick end just flush with right-hand 
edge of paper. Form tube round the candle, and remove 
latter by seizing wick. Opposite hand retains the shell candle 
by pressure through cylinder. Ends of latter then sealed with 
ribbon, as in preceding method. As soon as solid candle is 
removed, the concealed handkerchief expands nicely along the 
tube. Extract silk by tearing tube across the middle, thus 
destroying presence of shell candle. 

By using an ordinary "dummy" candle, loaded with a 
second duplicate silk, in place of solid candle, two separate 
productions are obtained ; that is, a handkerchief passed into 
the sealed tube, and thence into the candle. 



"PRIMARY AND COMPOUND." 

Effect: Say you have just presented the "Color Change 
through a paper tube," obtaining a red, a white, and a blue 
silk. Place the empty paper cylinder in an upright position 
on china plate. Spread first the blue and then the red silk 
over the top of the cylinder, permitting the corners to hang 
down. Discard white silk. Now, with the wand, push centers 
of the blue and red silks into the cylinder, at the same time 
seizing the latter with opposite hand, and turn over, moving 
away from table. When centers of silks make their appear- 
ance at opposite end of tube, withdraw wand and continue 
pulling out the handkerchiefs ; and upon shaking out the latter 
the "compound" color resulting from the blending of the 
"primaries" (blue and red) will be found in the mysterious 
addition of a third purple silk. 

Explanation: This novel multiplication involves, again, 
the use of the handkerchief wand, same type as above men- 
tioned. Load with purple silk and attach to hook on plug, 
in manner aforesaid. Push the blue and red silks through the 
paper cylinder with the "plug" end of the wand, and remove 
plug in pulling the handkerchiefs from opposite end of 
cylinder. 



SO'ME MODERN CONJURING 41 

A "CHANGING TUBE" SUGGESTION. 

Ever have the last handkerchief out of the changing tube 
get "jammed" between the sliding partition and the tube? If 
so, try this little "wrinkle," and see if it ever jams on you 
again. 

Assuming that the sliding partition is an inch and a 
quarter in diameter, cut a circular piece of rather stiff cloth 
material one and three-quarters inches in diameter, and glue 
the center of the cloth to the center of the sliding partition 
by means of a dab of thick glue. Let dry thoroughly. Then 
load the tube on prepared side of the sliding partition. Tfie 
little circular piece of cloth protects the handkerchief first 
loaded into tube from jamming as the partition is forced along 
the tube. 

If the glue does not stick to the metal, bore two tiny 
holes, close together, in partition, and secure the cloth with a 
few stitches. 

HANDKERCHIEFS AND FLAG. 

I have found the following at times a convenient means 
of transforming handkerchiefs into a flag. 

Effect: A red, a white, and a blue silk handkerchief 
are rolled up small in the hands, and immediately drawn out 
in the shape of a large United States silk flag, which is imme- 
diately offered for inspection. 

Explanation: Arrange under coat an ordinary pear- 
shaped Bautier pull. Spread the flag on a flat surface, and 
turn two diagonal corners in to the center so that they just 
meet. Continue the folding in like manner until the flag is 
made into a long strip, with a corner exposed at each end. 
Beginning with one end, roll the flag tightly round the ex- 
terior of the Bautier tube, wrapping the bulk of the silk round 
the mouth of the tube, and taking care not to bring any of 
the folds as far down as the tapered end, where elastic is 
attached, otherwise some difficulty will be experienced in slip- 
ping flag off the tube easily. Tuck free end of strip into a 
fold close to mouth of tube, and place the latter under yes^t 
convenient for palming, elastic arranged as usual. 



42 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

Work the red, white, and blue silks into tube, right side 
to audience. Under cover of right hand, which retains pull, 
the left now slides the flag off the free end of tube ; the thumb 
and forefinger of same hand then seize the free end of flag, 
through thumb and forefinger of right hand, and draw the 
flag with a quick upward movement out of the hand. The 
right hand is naturally brought against the coat during thi' 
movement, under cover of which the pull is released, leaving 
hands and flag free for inspection. 

This is one of the few methods which does not prohibit 
free inspection of the flag. 



LOADING THE PAPER CONE. 

In working up a programme of tricks for drawing-room 
presentation, some time since, it was my- desire to "produce" 
from an apparently empty paper cone a number of rainbow- 
hued Liberty silk handkerchiefs. I decided that the method 
of secretly introducing the "load" into the cone must be just 
a little bit different, in one or two respects, than any of the 
orthodox methods in use — a method that would completely 
mystify even those present who might have some knowledge 
of the secrets of modern magic. At the same time I resolved 
that my method should be independent of tables, chairs, or 
similar accessories of the conjurer, and that my hands should 
not approach my body throughout the process of forming the 
cone. This truly magical idea naturally demanded consider- 
able hard study and experiment; many ideas which suggested 
themselves were tried out and found wanting, but the follow- 
ing has come as near my original idea as I have yet been 
able to reach. It will be found easy and particularly mystify- 
ing. 

Effect: The performer steps forward with sleeves drawn 
back and hands obviously empty. He exhibits a piece of 
drawing paper some sixteen inches square, which is held at 
extreme fingertips throughout the experiment, so that the 
palms are at all times in view. At the same time, the move- 
ments of the hands are such as to preclude any possibility 
of "back hand" work. Hands and paper are likewise held 



SOME MODERX CONJURING 4-1 

well away from body. Having thus shown hands and paper 
freely on all sides, he now twists the paper into a neat cone, 
or cornucopia, and after the customary hocus-pocus of mystic 
passes, proceeds to extract from the cone a quantity of vari- 
colored silk (or whatever the production shall consist of). 

Explanation: The accompanying photographs will make 
matters clear. For the handkerchief production I use about 
eighteen handkerchiefs of the finest Liberty sihe, assorted in 
the most beautiful colors obtainable. To prepare the load, all 
the handkerchiefs (but one) are spread flat, one upon the 
other ; not with all the corners together, but with the corners 
of each handkerchief diagonally to the preceding one, like a 
star. The stack is then made into a compact "bun," by turn- 
ing the corners in to the center, and the remaining handker- 
chief is used as a wrapper for the parcel. 

To hold the load secure, I make use of a common flower 
holder, each of the two pieces being covered over with black 
velvet, glued on. I shape the parcel of silk so that when the 
spring clips are placed round it, the expansion of the silk 
prevents the clips from separating, the same as in making up 
a load of spring flowers. 

I now take a piece of No. 000 black silk thread, twenty- 
four inches long, and pass one end through the spring clip, 
next the silk, joining the ends in a knot, to iorm a loop. 

Before making my entrance for the trick, I slip the thread 
loop over my left wrist, and then push the silk parcel just 
within my outside lower coat pocket, on left side. Particular 
attention must be paid to the precise position of the parcel in 
the pocket. If the latter is provided with a lapel, it should 
be pushed inside the pocket before introducing the load; and 
the load should be placed about the center of the pocket, just 
below the opening — no more. 

Most amateurs work in ordinary dress, and I am basing 
my explanation upon that style of coat. If evening dress is 
worn, however, a special pocket, opening on the side, at the 
edge of the coat at the hip, will answer the same purpose, and 
permits even greater freedom in the withdrawal of the parcel 
from the pocket. 



44 SOME MODERN CONJURING 




Fig. 3. 




Fig. 4. 



SOME MODERX CONJURING 45 

This arrangement, while restricting the movement of my 
left arm to some extent (the hand will have about ten inches 
play), still permits me to hold that arm in a perfectly natural 
bent position beside the bod}'. 

The piece of drawing paper is sixteen inches square, fairly 
stiff, and is rolled up and permitted to spring open a few times 
beforehand, to give it a slight bend. 

I enter with my sleeves drawn partly back, as the thread 
would not permit of this operation after placing the parcel 
in pocket. My coat is buttoned in front. This is essential 
to the free withdrawal of the load from pocket at the psycho- 
logical moment, at the same time convincing the knowing 
spectator that the vest opening does not enter into the suc- 
cess of the trick. 

The paper is held at fingertips of right hand, concave side 
of sheet outermost. I do not call particular attention to the 
emptiness of my hands, as they are plainly seen to be so. I 
merely show the paper freely on both sides ; then pass it to 
left hand, which receives it with concave side to the rear. In 
receiving the paper, the fingertips only are employed, and 
the palm of left hand is not concealed from those in front 
for a single instant. (See Fig. 3.) My right hand free, I 
extend it, showing freely front and back. I stand perfectly 
erect, and, acting in unison with right hand, my left hand 
simultaneously elevates the paper, not in front of the body, 
but a little to one side, as in Fig. 3. If the wise spectator is 
watching for me to obtain something from the vest opening, 
he is disappointed, for the coat is buttoned and is not covered 
for a single instant by the paper. This perfectly natural 
movement (the elevation of the left hand) draws the thread 
taut on the wrist, and the concealed parcel of silk is pulled 
from the pocket and swings unseen behind, but not touching, 
the paper. It is to be understood that, as the right hand is 
extended, the left elevates the paper straight up to the extent 
of three or four inches, and, acting in perfect unison with the 
movement of the right hand, the slight movement of the 
paper is unnoticeable. 

There is a little knack, difficult to describe, but easily 
understood and acquired in actual practice, of holding the 



46 SOME MODERN CONJURING 




Fig. 5. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 47 

paper in such manner that the concealed "load" does not 
strike the sheet as it swings from the pocket, and thus reveal 
its presence; but there will be very little "swing'' to the load 
if the paper is elevated straight up. At the same time, the 
slight bend of the paper effectually masks the presence of the 
load to right or left. 

I state, "I shall hold the paper away from my body 
throughout the experiment," at the same time extending the 
arms. It will be noted that the palms of both hands are 
always in view of the audience, and none of the fingers are 
employed to suspend the load behind the paper. Fig. 4 de- 
picts the load suspended from wrist behind the paper, as 
not seen by those in front. 

The right hand now seizes the lower left hand corner 
of paper and brings it up, behind the sheet, nearly to the 
upper right hand corner, where the left thumb secures it (see 
Fig. 5). This brings the concealed parcel into the "trough" 
of the fold. The right hand side of the paper is then rolled 
over to the left, to the rear, and the cone is complete. Mean- 
while, the left hand has remained at the upper edge of paper, 
about center (mouth of cone at completion), as the loop is 
still on wrist. While the right is "rolling" the apex of the 
cone, the left fingers close into palm, and the thread slips 
over the hand and falls into the cone, and both hands grasp 
the cone at apex. The load is now ready for production. A 
slight pressure of the fingers, through the paper, on the spring 
clip, releases the silks (as in the Flower Trick), and they 
expand freely within the cone. After the usual series of 
mystic passes, the mouth of the cone is presented to the 
audience, showing the receptacle apparently filled to overflow- 
ing with the rainbow-hued silk. These are removed, one after 
the other, and draped about tables, chairs, etc., to make a 
good display, and the production may end with a large flag, 
dove, etc., loaded into the cone under cover of returning the 
silks to the paper; an old dodge, but good. 

There is no reasonable chance for failure if (1) the per- 
former will place the load carefully in position in coat pocket, 
permitting free withdrawal ; (2) if care is taken not to extend 
the left arm to such an extent that the concealed load is pre- 



48 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

maturely jerked from its hiding place ; and (3) if the proper 
size paper is used which shall screen the load as it swings 
from the pocket and hangs behind the sheet. The precise 
length of thread loop and size of paper will vary with the 
individual, according to length of arm, etc. 

I have used the above method of loading the paper cone 
in many different ways with good success. It is particularly 
adapted to the introduction of the first parcel of flowers in 
the Flower Trick. I have even used it for loading a paper 
ribbon coil into a borrowed hat, the latter being taken endwise 
in left hand from the right, when the mere elevation of the 
hat swings the load , unseen into the hat. The loading of a 
five-inch coil into a hat by such means is not to be recom- 
mended unless the performer has perfect confidence in him- 
self. 

If arrangement of programme prohibits entering with the 
thread loop already in position on the wrist, the loop may 
be permitted to hang from the pocket, to be readily obtained 
at pleasure under cover of turning that side away from the 
audience, after drawing back the sleeves. 



NUMBERED CARDS. 

In many homes, or communities, and especially at church 
entertainments, the use of the playing card, even for con- 
juring purposes, is objectionable. To overcome this difficulty, 
the magical dealers now supply packs consisting of cards 
numbered consecutively from one to fifty-two, same being 
provided with indicators precisely like the regular playing 
card. Special packs of numbered cards, such as forcing packs, 
"longs and shorts," etc., are likewise obtainable, so that the 
conjurer is no longer restricted from presenting his most 
cherished card problems at church entertainments, or similar 
affairs where the playing card is tabooed. 

Personally, I have found the numbered cards better 
adapted for certain series of tricks than the playing cards, as 
I have the cards printed by a local printer, and any peculiarity 
required in the "construction" of the pack is easily arranged 
for. For this purpose I obtain from the dealers about five 



5" O M E M O D E R N C N JUKI N G 49 

hundred "Magicians' business cards," which, as the reader 
undoubtedly knows, are a card the same size as an ordinary 
playing- card, and printed on the back with a very neat con- 
juring design, the face being left blank for the insertion of 
the magician's name and address. Five hundred of these cost 
about a dollar and a half. Out of this lot sufficient packs 
may be made up (special or ordinary) by the local printer 
to answer almost any purpose desired. 

As regularly furnished by the dealers, the numbered 
cards have the figures printed in the center, and must there- 
fore be held "right side up" in order to read them correctly. 
I venture to suggest an improvement in this custom, by 
printing the figures at both ends of the cards, so that, like 
an ordinary playing card, they may be read either end up. 
The advantages offered by this arrangement will be readily 
noted. Not only does the double numbered card permit of 
various "tricky" combinations, aided by the printer, but in the 
case of forcing packs (as used in the Dictionary Trick, etc.) 
the numbers to be forced may frequently be changed at small 
expense, if the arrangement above set forth is utilized. Again, 
in the case of card tricks requiring special packs, such packs 
are generally limited to but one or two effects by reason of 
special construction, and in several instances I have greatly 
improved upon the original idea, for my own use, by having 
the numbered pack made up by the local printer. 

I am confident that the reader, if he is working in magic, 
will likewise find many good uses for the numbered cards 
along the lines suggested above. 



THE "INVISIBLE" CHARLIER PASS. 

This variation in the execution of the Charlier one-handed 
card pass will be found useful 'where it is desired to leave 
the chosen card second from top of pack at completion of 
pass, an indifferent card occupying the top place. 

Card being chosen, offer pack with left hand in usual 
manner, top half being lifted and supported by the thumb, as 
in regular Charlier method. Chosen card being replaced in 
middle, right hand approaches and seizes top card of pack 



50 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

lengthwise between thumb and second finger, and as half 
turn is made to the left, the right hand holds top card, in 
a vertical position, and the regular Charlier pass is executed 
behind this card, as in the Herrmann pass. 

The pack is then squared up behind this card, leaving 
chosen card second from top. 

The entire series of movements blend into one, and are 
invisible to those in front, even if executed slowly. 

I have found this sleight handy where certain persons 
watch for the pass, as top card can then be shown, if re- 
quested, or slipped to bottom of pack. 



THE TRANSFORMED HANDKERCHIEFS. 

This medley of effects is really a combination of Herr- 
mann's well-known "Transformed Handkerchief" and "Sun 
and Moon" tricks, with the addition of several modern "wrin- 
kles ;" so it is the arrangement that is new, not so much the 
effect. 

Effect : The magician states his intention of showing the 
ladies a little lesson- in needlework, and borrows for the pur- 
pose a lady's handkerchief, incidentally producing an egg from 
the pocket of a spectator while in the audience. A boy is 
requested to step forward from the company, and assist in 
the experiment to follow. He is seated on the stage, and 
"handed" a lemon to hold by way of amusement. Performer 
now lights a candle on center table, by which he sets fire to 
two little pieces of tissue (red and blue), producing from 
the ashes a red and a blue silk handkerchief. The youthful 
assistant is invited to cut the centers from the three hand- 
kerchiefs (including the borrowed one), handing him a pair 
of scissors for this purpose. The centers arc actually sepa- 
rated from the handkerchiefs, and are shown to be so cut. 
Next, a cornucopia is formed from a piece of newspaper, 
shown empty, and placed upright in a tall goblet on center 
table. Into this are tossed the three mutilated handkerchiefs, 
together with the loose centers. On top of these the per- 
former empties the contents of the egg, dropping in shell and 
all. Passing the cornucopia several times over the candle 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 51 

flame, he immediately extracts the handkerchiefs from the 
paper, fully restored, but — something has apparently gone 
amiss, for the centers have become attached to the wrong 
handkerchiefs. The blue center is now a part of the red ; 
the red center is on the borrowed white ; and the center of the 
white is on the blue. Performer regrets such a state of af- 
fairs, etc., stating that possibly his volunteer assistant is some- 
thing of a magician himself. However, he will do his best to 
rectify the mistake. He accordingly wraps the three handker- 
chiefs in a piece of paper, and immediately bursting same, 
produces therefrom a large United States silk flag. This 
only serves to further complicate matters, for the lady is 
now without her handkerchief in any form. Performer offers 
her the flag to make good her loss, but she naturally declines 
to accept it, so he sets about to find the missing article. Lay- 
ing the flag aside, he suddenly turns to the boy, who has so 
far remained seated at one side of the stage, and requests him 
to remove the missing handkerchiefs from his pocket. The 
youth, looking rather foolish, searches his pockets, but fails 
to throw any light on the mystery. Meanwhile, the performer 
has relieved him of the lemon, and turned to place it on the 
center table. About this time the audience discover the three 
handkerchiefs, knotted securely together, with the lady's hand- 
kerchief between the red and blue silks, hanging in a string 
down the boy's back. As the handkerchiefs still bear the 
wrong centers, there is but one recourse left, and that is the 
agency of fire. The magician therefore rams the handker- 
chiefs into the funnel of his pistol, and fires at the lemon on 
the table. He then brings the lemon forward, together with 
a basin, which is handed to the boy to receive the rind, and 
upon cutting open the fruit the egg, completely restored, is 
brought to light. This is broken, and the lady's missing 
handkerchief extracted therefrom, likewise restored. This is 
carried down to the owner without substitution. Wondering 
what has become of the two silk handkerchiefs, the performer 
now removes the burning candle from the candlestick, and, 
wrapping it in paper to extinguish the flame, produces there- 
from the red and blue silks, both quite whole as before. 



52 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

Explanation: Requisites and preparation as under: 

A candle in a candlestick. Former is a "dummy" candle, 
duly loaded with a red and a blue silk handkerchief. These 
are placed on center table, together with two 4x5 sheets of 
paper, one red, one blue ; a piece of plain white paper about 
8x8 inches; a tall goblet; and a box of safety matches. The 
sliding cover of the match-box is pushed part way open, and 
in the empty portion of the cover is concealed a little packet 
prepared thus : A red and a blue silk handkerchief (duplicates 
of above), are rolled separately into compact bundles, and 
wrapped together in black tissue, which is glued to retain the 
silks. On outside of ,this tissue wrapper are pasted scraps of 
black tissue, the packet resembling a small quantity of burnt 
paper. 

On left side stand are placed two pieces of newspaper. 
The under sheet is really double, having a pocket, formed by 
pasting together three sides of one-half of the paper all round. 
Into this is inserted a 24x36 United States silk flag, neatly 
folded, and the open side of pocket closed with paste. The 
upper newspaper is prepared for vanishing handkerchiefs in 
manner familiar to the reader. 

On right side stand are placed a pair of scissors, a sharp 
knife, and an unprepared lemon. 

It is also necessary to prepare several parcels of hand- 
kerchiefs. 

Parcel No. 1. Consists of a red silk handkerchief, from 
center of which a piece five inches in diameter has been re- 
moved, and replaced with a piece of blue silk. This hand- 
kerchief is knotted to a lady's white linen handkerchief simi- 
larly prepared with a red silk center ; and a blue silk hand- 
kerchief with white linen center is joined to the white one. 
Beginning with the lowermost corner of the blue, the hand- 
kerchiefs are rolled into a very compact parcel, and in the 
final corner of the red handkerchief, which is now outermost, 
is sewn a tiny plate of tin (say, one-half inch square), to 
which is soldered a pin point, pointing toward the center of 
the handkerchief. This parcel is vested on performer's right 
side. 

Parcel No. 2. Duplicates of above three handkerchiefs 
with wrong centers. Thev are taken by their centers, laid 



5 OM E MODERN CON J U R J N G 53 

one upon the other, and then rolled into a compact parcel, 
thus bringing all the corners at outermost end of the roll. 
This parcel is placed in left hand trousers pocket. 

Performer also vests, in center, a lady's substitute white 
handkerchief. 

In readiness behind the scenes are the magic pistol ; a 
small, white-enameled basin, two inches deep ; a raw egg ; 
and the wand. Also a lemon and an egg prepared thus : Con- 
tents of both removed in usual manner, and eggshell inserted 
in lemon. These are placed convenient to assistant's hand, 
together with loose end of lemon. 

Presentation: Performer enters with raw egg palmed in 
right hand, which carries wand. Lady's handkerchief bor- 
rowed, and egg magically produced. Inviting boy to assist, 
performer returns to center table with egg and handkerchief, 
obtaining substitute handkerchief from vest, and adding to 
borrowed one. Stepping behind table, egg is laid thereon, 
and borrowed handkerchief dropped on servante. Substitute 
tossed on table. (At this point the magician's assistant brings 
on the magic pistol, which he places on center table, obtain- 
ing borroAved handkerchief from servante. He goes behind 
scenes and quickly inserts the handkerchief into tne hoilow 
egg and lemon, replaces end of latter with piece of sharp 
wire ; then brings on openly the basin, with prepared lemon 
concealed behind same. Basin is placed on center iaDie ju». 
in front of large Black Art well, with lemon concealed behind 
basin.) Meanwhile, the performer steps forward to receive 
his volunteer assistant, and seats him on the right of stage, 
drawing forward with left hand a chair for this purpose. This 
enables magician to palm Parcel No. 1 from right vest. As 
soon as young man is seated, performer moves chair a trifle, 
placing right hand (with palmed parcel) lightly and naturally 
on his back, thus bringing the little hook on red silk in con- 
tact with his coat, and the handkerchiefs unroll and string 
down his back with removal of hand. If the boy is placed 
slightly facing the audience, the handkerchiefs cannot pos- 
sibly be seen from the front. Lemon is immediately handed 
boy from right side stand, with instructions to hold it tightly 
to prevent its evanishment. 



54 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

He is bound to inspect it more or less, and finds it un- 
prepared, of course. Magician now walks behind center table, 
and takes safety match-box in left hand, removing a match 
with the right, and lighting the candle. In closing the box, 
the black tissue parcel is propelled into left hand. Exhibiting 
red and blue pieces of tissue, they are ignited in candle flame, 
and quickly reduced to ashes in the hands. Black tissue 
parcel now brought partially to view, being taken for aslies. 
Tissue broken and red and blue silks slowly materialized. 
Silks brought forward with borrowed (substitute) handker- 
chief, and boy requested to cut out the centers. For this 
purpose, the performer holds the handkerchiefs in left hand, 
drawing out the centers with the right ; and the boy cuts the 
centers fairly out with the scissors. Spreading the handker- 
chiefs to demonstrate the damage, the performer tosses them 
with the loose centers, upon right side stand, and forms the 
cornucopia out of the uppermost piece of newspaper on left 
stand. It is shown perfectly empty, and then placed in the 
goblet on center table, performer meanwhile obtaining Parcel 
No. 2 from left trousers pocket. The visible mutilated hand- 
kerchiefs are then crumpled between the palms, really quickly 
rolled up small, and the secret parcel permitted to unroll suf- 
ficiently to display the corners of the three different colored 
handkerchiefs (with wrong centers). It is therefore Parcel 
No. 2 that is dropped into the regular compartment of the 
cornucopia, the secret pocket being opened before the hand 
is withdrawn. As he has his left side turned to the audience 
at this time, he is enabled to vest the original mutilated hand- 
kerchiefs at this time. Returning for the loose centers, he 
drops these into the cone in like manner; that is, into the se- 
cret pocket, and pushes them down with wand. The egg is 
now broken on the basin, and dropped, shell and all, into the 
secret pocket of cone, on top of loose centers. A few passes 
are made with the cornucopia over candle flame. Performer 
then bares his arm and gingerly removes the three handker- 
chiefs from the paper, spreading them out to the view of the 
company, and appearing not to notice the wrong centers on 
the handkerchiefs until apprised of the fact by murmurs from 
the company. Being considerably disconcerted at this turn 



SOME M ODERX CON JU R I A G 55 

of affairs, he finally sets about to rectify the mistake. He 
brings forward the second piece of newspaper from side stand, 
and wraps the three handkerchiefs therein, "screwing" up 
the paper till it bursts, and reveals the flag therein. This is 
shaken out, while paper, containing handkerchiefs, is crum- 
pled up and tossed aside. As the lady does not care to accept 
the flag in place of her own property, the magician at last 
turns to the boy and requests him to produce the missing 
handkerchiefs from his pocket. While he is searching his 
clothes, the performer relieves him of the lemon and places 
it on the center table. If the boy does not of his own accord 
turn his back to the audience, he is assisted by the performer, 
who places him in the desired position, revealing the string 
of mutilated handkerchiefs on the back of his coat. These 
handkerchiefs are duly loaded into the magic pistol, and fired 
at the lemon on the center table. In bringing the lemon for- 
ward, it is exchanged for the prepared lemon behind the basin 
in manner already described under the "Egg and Handker- 
chief," vide "More Novel Notions/' and the handkerchief dis- 
covered in the Qgg in the lemon is therefore the original bor- 
rowed one, and is immediately returned to the owner without 
substitution. It only remains to wrap the candle in the piece 
of paper, extinguishing the flame, and in crumpling up the 
packet the fake candle is destroyed and the unprepared red 
and blue silks extracted therefrom. 



THE FLAG, BRAN, AND ORANGE TRICK. 

This very effective combination trick is good in any part 
of a programme, though, personally, I prefer to use it as an 
appropriate finish to a series of handkerchief experiments, the 
ultimate change from handkerchiefs to flags following in nat- 
ural sequence. Of course, there is nothing particularly new 
in the effects obtained, same being a sort of combination of 
Hermann's well-known '"Rice and Orange Trick," and the 
"Congress of Nations," so it is really the suggestion, and not 
a 'new invention," that I wish to give. 

The arrangement involves the use of several pieces of 
so-called "general utility" apparatus, and if the amateur will 



56 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 




Fig. 6. Flag, Bran and Orange. 



S O M E M O D E R N C X JUR1 N G 57 

devote a little study with regard to detail and manner of pre- 
sentation, he will find the effect most pleasing, not to say 
mysterious, to his audience. 

The arrangement, as I will give it, is subject of almost 
endless variation, depending considerably upon the skill of 
the individual performer. 

Effect: The performer brings forward a small drawer 
box. from which are taken three silk handkerchiefs, red, white, 
and blue. Closing the now empty drawer, the box is placed 
on the floor in view of all. The three silks are shown separate, 
then joined together by a knot in upper corner, in which 
condition they are instantly transformed into a small United 
States silk flag. 

An elegant nickel-plated vase, of graceful design, is next 
introduced, and offered for free inspection, the performer inci- 
dentally producing an orange from the hair or whiskers of 
a spectator while in the audence. The vase is filled with bran 
from a box containing this commodity, and covered with a 
shallow lid. 

The flag and the orange are now caused to vanish, one 
after the other, from the performer's hands, passing invisibly 
into the covered vase, while the bran makes way by passing 
into the drawer-box. Performer, showing hands empty, now 
takes flag and produces therefrom hundreds of tiny red, white 
and blue flags. These finally give way to a number of silk 
flags of different nations, ending with the evolution of the 
original flag into a mammoth United States silk flag. 

Exp^nation: Very little explanation will suffice. The 
vase is commonly known at the dealers as the Bran or Candy 
Vase, which is a beautiful piece of apparatus, and makes an 
imposing appearance on my center table. The vase proper 
is provided with a metal inner bowl, fitting nicely therein, and 
the lid is likewise provided with a bran tray, which serves the 
same purpose as the bran "fake" in the well-known Bran 
Glass. 

The drawer proper of drawer-box is beforehand filled with 
bran, outer drawer being pulled out and three small silks (red, 
white, and blue) placed therein. The silks may be trans- 



58 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

formed into the flag by the method best suited to the per- 
former's skill or taste. 

Of course, duplicates of the flag and orange are before- 
hand placed in the vase fake (inner bowl), and the latter in- 
verted over the bran tray in the box of bran. By the way, I 
use for the bran a box without lid and open at one end. The 
box, containing the bran and "fakes" duly arranged therein, 
I place in readiness on a chair, or low stool, with the open 
end of the box to the rear. The open end of the box permits 
greater ease in loading the inner bowl, into the vase proper; 
and I always make it a point, after the flag and orange have 
made their invisible journey, to offer the bran box for inspec- 
tion, together with the vase. The skeptics may then prod 
their fingers into the bran without being any the wiser for their 
pains, no duplicate vase being materialized therein, of course. 

The production of the tissue flags and silk flags of differ- 
ent nations is too well known in conjuring circles to warrant 
description here. I prefer to obtain the first "load" of flags 
from Black Art well in center table, in the act of picking up 
visible flag after "passing" flag and orange into vase. 

As I have said, the above arrangement is subject to 
considerable variation. If the performer desires to elaborate 
-ipon it in the way of apparatus, he may substitute for the 
drawer-box a pair of nickeled cones, one being provided with 
a flap to contain the bran, vide "Rice and Orange Trick." In 
this case the original flag could be evolved from three little 
pieces of red, white, and blue tissue, which are converted, while 
burning, into three silken streamers, and thence into the flag. 

Again, the flag may first be "passed" into an egg; the 
egg into an orange; and the latter into the bran vase, the 
orange alone being found in the vase. The orange is then 
cut open, disclosing the egg, and the latter upon being tapped 
with the wand, reveals the missing flag. 

A pretty effect may likewise be obtained by using a Turk- 
ish flag instead of the United States, thereby lending an orien- 
tal aspect to the trick. 

Again, I can recommend the following variation as an 
effective combination, especially for opening a program : 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 59 

After usual introductory remarks, performer forms a 
small piece of note paper into a tiny tube, from which he 
extracts a small United States flag. This is rolled up small 
in the hands, and vanished, being reproduced from candle. 
Candle taken from tail pocket, alight. A second paper tube, 
somewhat larger than the first, is next formed, through which 
United States flag is pushed by wand. Upon withdrawing 
flag at opposite end of tube, a small British flag is found in 
the folds of the United States. 

Performer next borrows a wedding ring, which he knots 
in center of British flag, and deposits the parcel in a glass 
tumbler, which is covered with a silk handkerchief and se- 
cured with a rubber band. The United States flag is then 
pushed into a common lamp-chimney, which is held hori- 
zontally between the hands, when United States flag visibly 
changes to British flag; and upon removing from tumbler, 
the borrowed wedding ring is found securely knotted in the 
missing U. S. flag. 

Bran vase next introduced, and filled with the commodity 
from box, and covered with lid. Orange, magically produced, 
vanishes from performer's hands, likewise British and United 
States flags. Orange and flags reproduced from vase ; bran re- 
turns invisibly to box. , 

The two small flags are now pushed through the paper 
cylinder, as before, resulting in their transformation into 
one large United States silk flag. 

AYith the reader's perusal of the foregoing pages, the 
working of the above arrangement will be readily understood, 
same being an effective combination of the following tricks : 

Flag and Candle. 

Primary and Compound (see post). 

Wedding Ring Trick (first stage). 

Flag, Bran, and Orange. 

The magical production of the first flag from tiny paper 
tube is an effective production, and is accomplished as fol- 
lows : 

Beforehand, form a paper tube from a 3x3 piece of note 
paper, and glue same. When dry, pack in flag and press ends 
of tube upon flag. A 4x4 piece of note paper is in view on 



60 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

side stand. Performer makes his entrance with flag tube con- 
cealed in bend of left elbow, fold of coat sleeve drawn over 
same. Visible piece of paper is exhibited and taken in left 
hand, the latter then drawing back right sleeve. Right hand 
then draws back left sleeve, paining flag tube from bend of 
elbow, and the visible paper is formed into tiny tube round 
Hag parcel. Forefinger then inserted, and flag slowly drawn 
out, after which the tube (both tubes) is destroyed. A few 
experiments before a mirror will soon enable you to get the 
flag parcel into position for forming tube with both palms 
practically in view of audience throughout. 

Sometimes I omit the Wedding Ring feature in the above 
combination, and after presentation of the Flag, * Bran and 
Orange trick, I state that, for the benefit of those who failed 
to grasp the theory of the last experiment, I will repeat it, 
contrary to my custom, and in a still more simple manner. 
I then perform the "Watch, Handkerchief and Bran," which 
brings the above series of effects to a bewildering termination. 



THE DIE, CANARY, AND MYSTIC CAGE. 

Effect: A solid die is exhibited, covered with a cloth 
and slipped in a. skeleton stand which just contains the die. 

Die box shown empty, and doors closed. Nickeled chim- 
ney cover likewise proven empty. 

Die passes invisibly from skeleton stand to die box; 
thence to nickeled chimney cover. 

Canary bird taken from cage and placed under chimney 
cover. Die placed in a glass box, which is in turn placed in 
skeleton stand and covered with cloth. 

Bird passes from chimney cover to glass box. Die leaves 
glass box and is found once more under cover. 

Canary is now placed in paper bag, which is blown to 
pieces by pistol shot, canary instantly appearing in uncovered 
cage. 

Explanation: The various requisites consist of: 

A skeleton stand, containing a loose skeleton die frame, 
vide "Chinese Bird Cage Illusion," into which solid die slips 
easily. All parts of stand and frame painted black. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 61 

A glass box without lid, bottom covered with black felt, 
to fit in skeleton frame and stand. 

A solid die. 

A metal shell die, with hinged lid. 

A nickeled chimney cover, fitting over shell die. 

A glass box, without lid, bottom covered with black 
cloth, with several white spots thereon, to represent sixth side 
of die. This box is slightly smaller than solid die. 

A cloth die shell, or hood, fitting over small glass box. 

A sliding die box. 

A mechanical bird cage for the magical appearance of 
one or more canaries without covering. 

Three canaries of like appearance. 

A cloth of some soft material. 

A paper bag, prepared in usual manner for evanishment 
of bird. 

A pistol, and a china plate. 

Preparation: On center table, the skeleton stand with 
die frame therein ; glass box ; sliding die box with two doors 
open, box appearing empty; paper bag; pistol; and the me- 
chanical cage, containing two canaries, one visible and one in 
secret chamber. 

On right side stand : Fake die consisting of small glass 
box (in which is placed the third canary) covered with cloth 
die hood, thus appearing as a solid die on all six sides, the 
cloth covered bottom of glass box supplying sixth side. 

On left side stand : Nickeled chimney cover, containing 
shell and solid die, arranged thus : Solid die is placed on top 
of shell die, and cover slipped over all. 

Presentation: Fake die is taken from right side stand 
and exhibited. Chimney cover then picked up with shell and 
solid inside, and cover and shell slipped over visible fake die, 
"just to show how it fits." Chimney cover is now inverted, 
which process apparently "shoots" the die through the cover, 
and out upon table, proving, indirectly, the emptiness of 
chimney cover ; but, as a matter of fact, in inverting the cover, 
the concealed solid die slips out, and the fake die remains in 
cover, in shell die, in original lower end of cover, by pressure 
of fingers on latter. The cover is then replaced in its orig- 



62 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

inal position on stand, and the solid die carried to center table 
and slipped into the skeleton stand, which it just fits. Stand 
is now inverted, permitting die to fall into the hand, with 
skelton frame on the die. If die is held in such position that 
the sixth side, which is not covered by skeleton frame, is pre- 
sented to the audience, the frame is not noticeable. Die is 
immediately covered with cloth, performer standing behind 
center table, and while opposite hand exhibits the skeleton 
stand, the covered die is permitted to slip out of skeleton 
frame and cloth into servante, leaving cloth unchanged in ap- 
pearance by reason of the frame retained therein. The cov- 
ered frame (supposedly the die) is then placed on top of 
skeleton stand, slightly crosswise to prevent its falling there- 
in. The reader will note that this part of the trick is exactly 
like the Chinese Bird Cage Illusion, from which I have taken 
the idea for the Die Trick. 

Leaving the covered "die" on top of skeleton stand for 
the time being, the performer next shows the sliding die box, 
the doors of which he closes, and replaces box on table. He 
then permits the supposed die to fall into skeleton stand, still 
covered by the cloth, and commands the die to pass invisibly 
into die box. Cloth removed from the skeleton stand, show- 
ing latter empty, as the die frame is not distinguishable from 
frame of stand, in which it fits. Die taken from sliding box, 
and returned. Usual opening and closing of doors in slid- 
ing box, then all four opened, showing evanishment of die 
from box. Chimney cover lifted, together with shell die, re- 
vealing fake die (hood over glass box) thereunder. This die 
is now placed in large glass box, and latter placed in skele- 
ton stand, and covered with cloth as before. Assistant now 
steps forward with the china plate held in both hands before 
him. Performer takes bird from cage and places it upon the 
plate, covering with the chimney cover. Transposition now 
takes place, cloth being removed from skeleton stand, carry- 
ing away die hood, revealing canary in (double) glass box; 
and on lifting chimney cover, shell die is found on plate. Of 
course, performer can not lift this die from the plate, as it con- 
ceals the bird, so he quickly passes on to the last stage of 
trick, the assistant setting plate and die down on table. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 63 

Performer now takes visible canary from glass box. in 
skeleton stand, and places it in the prepared paper bag, im- 
mediately blowing the latter to pieces with the pistol. Assist- 
ant off stage releases spring, and concealed canary appears 
simultaneously in cage on table. 



A NOVEL DIE COMBINATION. 

This is another variation in the old-time die trick, in 
which the principle involved in the Chinese Bird Cage Illu- 
sion is still further utilized. 

Effect: A solid die is removed from a box which just con- 
tains it ; die is covered with a cloth, and slipped in a skele- 
ton stand. 

A nickeled chimney cover is shown empty, and placed on 
a china plate, and an orange, magically produced, is dropped 
in chimney cover. 

A transposition now takes place, the die appearing under 
the chimney cover, while the orange is found in the skeleton 
stand. 

A (sliding) die box is next shown empty, and the doors 
closed. The chimney cover is replaced over die on plate. 
The orange, upon being taken between the hands, passes into 
a state of invisibility, and returns to the chimney cover, while 
the die passes into the die box, from which it is removed, 
exhibited, and returned to the box. 

After the usual "sliding" stunt with the die box, die 
finally vanishes therefrom, and returns to the little box from 
which it was originally taken. 

Explanation : Requisites as follows : 

A solid die. 

A metal shell die, with hinged lid. 

A nickeled chimney cover. 

A skeleton stand, provided with' die frame, as in the 
preceding trick. 

A sliding die box. 

Two oranges. 

A china plate. 



64 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 





Fig. 7. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING C5 

A box and a "fake" die constructed precisely like the box 
and folding cage in the Chinese Cage Trick. The accom- 
panying drawing (Fig. 7) will explain the details of construc- 
tion to those not familiar with the above mentioned trick. It 
will be noted that the box proper (AA) is provided with a lid 
both at top and bottom. The solid die fits nicely in the space 
B. The space represented by CCC, access to which is gained 
by the lowermost lid in the drawing, is provided for the ac- 
commodation of the fake die, D, which consists of an ordinary 
"shell" die, with a sixth side sliding easily within it, and pre- 
vented from falling out by the presence of slight projections 
on the corners of the shell. This movable sixth side permits 
the shell die to be inserted in the lower compartment of the 
box, CCC, the movable side resting, for the time being, in 
the top of the shell, the sides of the latter slipping into the 
narrow space between compartment B and the sides of the 
box proper. The movable side of the fake die is slightly 
weighted, so that when the die is taken out of the box, that 
side drops into its normal position of its own accord, and the 
die may thus be exhibited on all sides as a solid cube. 

The box is prepared for use by placing the fake die, D, in 
compartment, CCC, and the lid closed upon it, this side of 
the box being turned downward to represent the bottom. The 
ordinary solid die is then placed in compartment, B, and the 
box is placed on side stand on performer's left. 

On right side stand are placed the china plate, and the 
chimney cover containing shell die with hinged lid. 

On center table are placed the skeleton stand, containing 
die frame, and the sliding die box, with two doors open so 
that the box appears empty. The cloth is placed on same 
table. 

One orange is vested for magical production, and the 
other placed on servante of center table. 

Presentation : Performer brings forward the little box 
from left side stand, supporting the bottom lid on palm. Solid 
die is removed and passed for inspection, and a spectator re- 
quested to blow the dust from interior of box. This indirectly 
shows that the box is now empty. Orange produced from 



66 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

pocket of same spectator. In returning to stage, box is re- 
versed and set down on side stand with the lid closed. 

Solid die now slipped into skeleton stand, tipped out with 
frame thereon, and covered with the cloth, and while exhibit- 
ing the stand the die is permitted to slip out of frame onto 
servante, as already explained in the preceding trick. Covered 
frame set crosswise on top of skeleton stand. 

Chimney die exhibited, and wand passed through same 
to prove empty. Fingers seize hinged lid of shell die within, 
at top of chimney, so that when orange is dropped therein it 
passes through to the plate, proving, conclusively, that noth- 
ing but the orange is^ now covered by the chimney. 

The covered die frame is now dropped in skeleton stand, 
under cover of which it becomes an easy matter to palm the 
orange from servante into the stand. 

Die therefore passes from skeleton stand to chimney 
cover on plate, and the orange appears in skeleton stand, from 
which it is removed and laid on table in front of Black Art 
well or trap. 

Shell die covered on plate with chimney, and sliding die 
box introduced, and doors closed. Orange then taken in hands 
(passed down trap), and kneaded away over chimney. Latter 
lifted with shell die therein, disclosing orange on plate. Die 
produced from sliding box, and replaced. "Sliding" business 
then enacted, and die eventually vanishes, and is taken from 
the little box on side stand. 



THE HOLMES INVISIBLE SERVANTE. 

I take pleasure in acquainting my readers with my so- 
called "invisible servante," which I can recommend as novel, 
thoroughly practical, and extremely useful. It is so simple 
in point of construction that anyone can have the few neces- 
sary parts turned out at any local carpenter and blacksmith 
shop, and assemble them himself on any conjuring side stand 
base, provided with center rod and flange. 

The table of which the invisible servante forms a part 
is a light side stand, with circular top, which may be revolved 
freely at pleasure. For my own personal use, I prefer a stand 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 67 

with a top only 12 inches in diameter, which is covered with 
black velvet, with velvet drape three inches deep, finished 
off with a two and one-half inch gold bullion fringe. This 
type, combined with the novel servante arrangement, makes 
a very handy table for secretly obtaining, or disposing of, 
sundry small articles during the course of a programme, as it 
may be brought forward or set aside at pleasure ; and the 
small table space afforded gives the necessary pretext for 
many essential moves. At the same time, the comparative 
"skeleton" construction of the stand suggests to the mind of 
the average spectator the absence of concealed mechanism, 
while the revolving top serves to strengthen this impression 
materially. 

The accompanying illustrations explain the secret of its 
construction. The stand consists, in addition to the base, 
center rod, and flange, of the following parts (see Fig. 8) : 

A is a circular piece of wood, five inches in diameter 
by one-half inch in thickness, painted a dead black. The 
edges should be sand-papered very smooth before painting. 

B is the table top proper, 12 inches in diameter, 
"dressed" as stated above. The under side is painted dead 
black. 

C, in the detail drawing, is a small angle iron, measur- 
ing T / 2 inch on each of its three angles. There are four of 
these little pieces employed, which may be cut and bent out 
of zinc or brass, and painted black. Each is provided with 
a screw hole in one end. 

To set up the table, lay the piece A exactly in the center 
of B (the under side, of course). Then screw the little angle 
irons carefully on B, as shown at CCCC, at points equidistant 
round A, permitting the free end of each iron to overlap A, 
and thus prevent B being separated from A. The little metal 
angles should be perfect, and lap over A nicely without bind- 
ing A to B, for a reason presently explained. 

Now screw flange of center rod exactly in the center of 
under side of A, and when the flange is in trim screwed 
on center rod (D) of base, the table will appear as in the 





^N' \N \ v \\\ N" \N O ' 

c 



ire : ' 



IvV 



F 



D 



Fig. 8. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 69 

lower drawing in Fig. 8, H H representing the drape and 
fringe. 

It will now be found that the top proper of table may 
be revolved either way at pleasure, B turning on A. B should 
revolve without any "wabbling" if the little angle irons have 
been properly adjusted. 

We now come to the servante. This is supported behind 
the table by a peculiar-shaped arm (see E and F in Fig. 
8) of common band iron, approximately y 2 inch wide, and an 
eighth of an inch thick. It will be noted in the drawing that 
the horizontal end of this piece is screwed to the under side 
of the stationary top, A, just inside of the course traveled 
by the angle irons (CCCC) ; two screws being employed to 
attach the arm to A. The iron has a slight "drop," or bend, 
just beyond the screw holes, in order that the angle irons may 
pass over this stationary arm when table top (B) revolves. 
The arm then extends horizontally nearly to the outermost 
edge of the table top proper (B), but inside of the drape 
(HH), being under the top. It then drops at right angles, 
passing downward to a point a fraction of an inch below the 
bottom of the fringe on top B ; thence bending upward 
(forming a V-shape) to a point about one inch below the 
level of top B. Thus end F of the iron arm is outside 
of the drapery of table, at what is normally the rear side, and 
therefore out of view of the audience. 

The servante proper is attached to the arm (E) at F. 
As already stated, the apex of the "V" of this iron piece drops 
just a fraction of an inch below the fringe on table top (B), 
and thus it will be readily noted that, although a small 
servante is concealed behind the stand, the top of the latter 
may be revolved at pleasure without causing any disturbance 
of the drapery. 

I will here call attention to one very important feature in 
making up a table of this type. All parts of the iron servante 
support (E) are painted dead black, with the exception of 
that portion in the apex of the V-shape bend of the iron, 
where it is exposed against the gold bullion fringe, and drops 
below it for a fraction of an inch ; and that portion so exposed 



70 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 






Fig. 9. 



SOME MODERX COXJURING 71 

against the fringe, on all sides of the iron, must be painted 
with gold paint to match the fringe. 

In the drawing-room, where the audience are seated on 
the same level with the '"stage," it will be found that those 
in front of your tables are unable to see the bottom edge of 
that portion of the fringe or drape for the time being hanging 
behind the table ; but the bottom of such fringe or drape at 
back of table will be visible if table is slightly elevated, as 
on a regular stage or platform. Therefore, the iron servante 
support passing under the fringe at back of table is not in 
view to the draw T ing-room audience ; but painted to match 
the gold bullion fringe, the iron is absolutely undetectable at 
very short range, even with the table elevated. 

I have said that the servante proper is attached to the 
iron support at F. Of course, the servante room afforded by 
this arrangement is limited only by the style of drapery on 
the table ; but in any case the weight should be reduced to 
a minimum, in order to prevent any "sagging" of the V-shaped 
iron support. In the case of a very small servante, for merely 
obtaining or disposing of sundry "fakes," changing tubes, etc., 
the velvet drape may be dispensed with altogether, dense gold 
bullion fringe supplying the little concealment necessary for 
the servante, and heavy wire may be substituted for the iron 
servante support. 

L, M, and X, Fig. 9, depict three types of these little 
servantes, which I have found best adapted to this particular 
stand. All may be readily affixed or removed from the sup- 
port by means of a little tin tube, or cap, one inch in length, 
which fits rather snug over the end F. The servante proper 
is soldered to the cap in each case. 

Servante L is merely a three-inch piece of wire, bent up- 
ward at the ends, to which are soldered two little forks, the 
servante being intended to accommodate a handkerchief 
changing tube, or similar '"fake." 

Servante M is in the form of a shallow tray, open at back, 
with a similar fork at each end. 

Servante N is a light wire frame, to which is attached a 
small bag of cloth or net. 



72 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

In the presentation of many tricks, the revolving table 
possesses many advantages distinctly its own. Take, for in- 
stance, the well-known "Color Changing Handkerchiefs" with 
a paper tube, the author's version of which, involving the use 
of the above table, follows. 



THE COLOR CHANGING HANDKERCHIEFS. 

The effect of this ever-popular handkerchief trick may 
be greatly enhanced by the aid of the above described table. 
Three white silk handkerchiefs are joined together at ex- 
treme corners in a long string, in which condition they are 
pushed together into a paper cylinder, being withdrawn at the op- 
posite end "dyed," respectively, old-rose, green, and yellow (or 
any other combination of colors). Handkerchiefs and paper 
tube may be inspected. 

Requisites and preparation : 

Six silk handkerchiefs, all one size ; three white, one old- 
rose, one green, and one yellow ; a metal changing tube with 
sliding partition, which is provided with circular piece of 
cloth as a guard against "jamming," as already mentioned; a 
piece of drawing-paper 6x9 ; a small rubber band ; and a light 
side stand provided with "invisible" servante, as above de- 
scribed. The servante proper is of the type depicted at N, 
Fig. 8. 

Previous to presentation, the old-rose, green, and yellow 
silks are joined together in a string, in the order named, and 
packed, in like order, into the changing tube, which is then 
placed on the forks of the little servante of stand. The end 
of the changing tube for the time being closed by the sliding 
partition is to my right as I take a position behind the stand. 
The piece of paper and rubber band are placed in view 
on top of stand, and the three white silks are dropped care- 
lessly on the paper. 

Presentation: Everything in readiness, I come forward 
and pick up the three visible handkerchiefs, showing them all 
separate and unprepared. The stand is on my left. I take 
the handkerchiefs by their upper corners in right hand, and 
with the left carelessly revolve the table top, immediately 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 73 

drawing the paper off the back with same hand. I show the 
paper, both sides, and in replacing it upon the stand (which 
has now ceased to move), I take pains to have the rear edge 
of paper overlap the concealed changing tube to the extent 
of about one inch. I now draw back my sleeves a little, and 
proceed to join the handkerchiefs together in a long string. 
Showing them thus fairly joined, I draw the piece of paper 
off the back of the stand with left hand, precisely as before, 
thumb above, fingers below, the latter seizing the changing 
tube and bringing it away behind the paper as the latter is 
drawn off the stands. The right hand immediately places the 
string of handkerchiefs upon the stand. This latter hand, 
being free, now seizes the lower right hand corner of the 
paper, and brings it up in front of the upper half of the sheet. 
Simultaneously, the left hand releases the upper half, which 
changes places with the lower half as the latter is raised to 
the left fingers. There is a little knack in the movement to 
avoid the disclosure of the changing tube resting on left 
fingers, but, properly performed, the effect to those in front 
is that the conjurer carelessly reverses the paper in his left 
hand during the course of his remarks. The paper is then 
formed into a hollow cylinder round the changing tube, and 
secured with the rubber band. This operation leaves the 
cylinder in left hand, the changing tube being permitted to 
slide to the lower end, where it is retained by the fingers 
grasping the paper a little below the middle. 

I next draw the string of silks off the stand, and insert 
same into the lower end of the cylinder. My patter, at this 
time, is to the effect that, while the ordinary commercial dyer 
must of necessity "run" each piece of fabric through a sep- 
arate "bath" to obtain the desired shade, I desire to empha- 
size the superiority of the "mystical process" by passing the 
joined handkerchiefs through the "dye tube," when I shall 
remove same with each handkerchief "dyed" a different shade 
from the other, despite their being joined together. 

By the time the lost corner of silk is pushed out of sight 
(into changing tube), the yellow handkerchief begins to ex- 
pand at top. At this point I take up a position nearly behind 
the stand, with my right side to the audience. I make sure 



74 SOME MODERN CONJURING 

that the original string of (white) silk is tucked well out of 
sight into changing tube, and that the operation has forced 
the concealed silks completely out of changing tube. This 
is very important. I then seize the exposed corner of yellow 
handkerchief at top of cylinder with right hand, and slowly 
draw the string of colored silks upwards from the cylinder. 
As the handkerchiefs, tied cornerwise, measure some forty- 
five inches, the hands are thus separated to some consider- 
able extent; and as the right hand develops the silk, drawing 
the attention of those present in an upward direction, the 
left hand, acting in unison with the other, draws away from 
the right, and is lowered to the rear table edge. This brings 
the lower end of the cylinder behind the table, and the chang- 
ing tube is quickly dropped in servante. Of course, the cylin- 
der is lowered to the stand for an instant only, the movement 
being unnoticeable. As a pretext for using the table during 
this stage of the trick, I now permit the colored handkerchiefs 
to fall upon the stand, immediately showing the paper tube 
empty and tossing the same into audience. I then draw the 
handkerchiefs off the stand with the one hand while the other 
again revolves the top. The apparent off-hand revolving 
of the table top proves conclusively, in the mind of the 
average spectator, the utter impossibility of anything being 
concealed behind the drapery of table; while the plain felt top 
precludes the idea of "Black Art" traps to those who may 
have knowledge of such expedients in Magic. 

The above will serve as a very good example of the many 
good uses to which this "invisible servante" may be put. It 
is particularly effective in the evanishment of a glass of water, 
and similar objects, where the use of the orthodox servante 
table may be suspected. 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 75 

AN INEXHAUSTIBLE BLACK ART TABLE. 

This is another mechanical table of the light side stand 
type, with Black Art top. A table of this kind, if provided 
with more than a single "well" opening, restricts the amount 
of solid table surface for general use. Hence the idea given 
below is intended to overcome this difficulty, said side stand 
being provided with Black Art top with but one opening, 
which, however, by means of a revolving top, may be shifted 
to give access to two or more wells, or none, at pleasure. 

Figs. 10 to 13, inclusive, set forth clearly the construc- 
tion of the table. It will be noted that there are really two 
tops on the stand, A, and D, A being the top proper, which 
rests on D, this latter top being two inches less in diameter 
than the former. A is covered with black velvet, on which the 
usual design in gold braid, or ribbon, is laid out. For the sake 
of illustration, I have shown this design in Fig. 10 as a sort 
of conventional flower, the shaded petal, B, being the opening 
in the wood, the edges of which are covered with velvet. The 
false top, D, is provided with two openings, E and F, Fig. 11, 
in which are placed the usual black velvet bags, velvet side in. 

In assehbling the table (see Figs. 12 and 13), top D 
is screwed to the center rod of the base with usual flange. Top 
A is provided with a square-headed bolt, H, which is 
permanently attached to the top (A) with a countersunk 
screw plate, and a socket is provided in the center rod into 
which the bolt fits nicely, so that there may be no "wabble" 
to the table top. Top D therefore has a corresponding bolt 
hole, but round, so that when A turns with the bolt top D 
remains stationary, being screwed to flange of center rod. 

C, Fig. 12, is a pin working not too freely through a tiny 
hole in the edge of the table top proper (A). G, Fig. 11, is a 
small piece of metal screwed to the under side of top D, from 
which it projects to the extent of about three-quarters of an 
inch, and is provided at this end with a tiny slot, as shown, 
into which the pin, C, slips easily. 

Thus, if the pin (C) is raised, the table top (A) may be 
revolved indefinitely; but if slight pressure is brought to 
bear on the pin, while the table top is in motion, the projecting 
slot piece (G) acts as a stop when the pin reaches it. 



76 



SOME MODERN CONJURING 



A 



D 





iH 



10. 



Ti^.ll. 



A 

A\A\\W\W\AVV\N\\\mW 



p 



II 



K\W ^a\ 









_^ 



F E 

F/<j."/2 



A 



i^vs-vsvXIjZ 






^a 



p, i-- ,3 



Figs. 10 to 13, inclusive. 



SOME MODERN CONJURIXG 77 

The stop (G), it will be noted, is placed directly opposite 
well, F, and the pin (C) opposite the opening, B. Therefore, 
if, in the beginning, the table top is adjusted with the opening, 
B, directly over E in top D, this well is accessible, and may 
be dispensed with, when it has served its purpose, by revolving 
top A. During such revolution the pin (C) is pressed down, 
which stops top A with the opening (B) directly over well F. 

If, for any reason, it should be desired to again shift the 
table top, the pin is raised, and the top shifted so that the 
opening B passes beyond well F. This would naturally bring 
the opening in top A over the solid surface of top D (which 
should be painted dead black), creating a shallow depression, 
in depth the thickness of top A, which may be utilized to good 
advantage for concealing sundry small objects, such as coins, 
rings, etc. 

Of course, the false top (D) could be provided with up- 
wards of four pockets, any of which would be equally acces- 
sible through the opening (B) in top A; but such an arrange- 
ment would hardly be necessary or advisable. 

II, Figs. 12 and 13, represent the plush or velvet drape on 
top A, which conceals the presence of the bags suspended 
from D. 

Personally I have found the above type of Black Art side 
stand a very convenient one. Not only is it specially adapted 
to drawing-room work, where the conjurer's tables must, of 
necessity, occupy the minimum of space; but, as already 
set forth, two wells are readily available through the one 
opening, and the revolving feature precludes the possibility, 
in the mind, of the average spectator, of anything being con- 
cealed on the back of the table. 



'The End." 



THAYER'S 
Magic Shop of tke^Vest 

MANUFACTURER OF 

Fine Conjuring 1 aoles 

AND HICH Gl 

agical 



AND HICH GRADE SPECIALTIES IN 

Magical Woodcraft 



Enough 



To the progressive magical entertainer the question of tables is a 
very important one, and quite deserving of much thought and attention. 
In this particular line I am in a position to offer you exceptional ad- 
vantages in the selection of artistic tables of a style different from any 
now on the market, and at a cost surprisingly low, ranging from a neat 
portable side stand (see black-and-gold stands illustrated elsewhere in 
this book) for $3.00 to a handsome stage center table for $25,00. 
Am still selling my original "Eureka" Tables, set of three, for $1 0.00. 

THE "EUREKA" TABLES 

Note the following points concerning this elegant set : 

Top of Center Table 14x20 inches. Side Stands 

, 12 inches diameter. Height from floor 34 inches. 

~ ' ~ All legs and center shafts made from best selected 

•white maple, turned and fitted with the utmost 

care and certainty, and when set up for use they 

stand steady and firm. 

The finish is black and gold, with a last final 
lacquer that gives lustre, and prevents tarnish to the 
gilded parts. 

Tops are felt covered, but are left solid so each 
performer may construct traps, etc., to fit his own 
special requirements. ■ 

Center Table supplied with rich crimson velvet 
drape, decorated with gold bullion fringe and trim- 
mings. 

Cj f All three tables weigh less than 15 lbs., and easily 

pack in any suit case, with ample room to spare. 
The "Eureka" Set, Center Table and 2 Stands, $10. 

If you want a novelty in the way of stage apparatus, my new Com- 
bination Coin-Ladder-Table will give them something to think about. 

This, and several other novel features, are included in my new Table 
Booklet, which I will gladly mail to any address for stamp. 

{Latest Obedient Coins? 
California Orange wood Wand, wjth Manzanita Tips ? 
Demon Card Frame ? 
Eureka Billiard Ball Set? 
"MAGICAL GOODS THAT SATISFY" 

F. G. THAYER, 101 W. Union St., Pasadena. Cal. 



to 



Gr< 



ace 



anp 



Small 



Enough 



to 



Adorn 



any 



Parlor! 



2he SPHINX 



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/COPY. Otf TO CAT. or 

NOV 23 11909 






SOME 

MODERN 

CONJURING 



